France Mobilizes Aid for Mayotte Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation

Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage in Mayotte, with authorities fearing that hundreds or even thousands may have died. While the official death toll is currently 14, French rescue teams are on the ground assessing the devastation. This cyclone, characterized as a category 4 storm, struck Mayotte with winds exceeding 220 kph, further stressing the island’s economic plight and infrastructure vulnerabilities.

France is mobilizing urgent assistance to the island of Mayotte, where unprecedented destruction has occurred due to Cyclone Chido, one of the most severe storms in nearly a century. As of Monday, the death toll stands officially at 14, but local authorities estimate losses may reach hundreds or even thousands. Rescue operations are underway, supported by additional personnel and supplies dispatched from France and the nearby island of Reunion. The cyclone caused catastrophic damage, especially in the densely populated slums, hampering accurate assessments of the human toll. Mayotte, with a population of approximately 300,000, is particularly vulnerable due to its socioeconomic challenges and the existence of undocumented migrants.

The cyclone struck Mayotte on Saturday, with wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph), classifying it as a category 4 cyclone. According to François-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, emergency services are grappling with the wreckage, and the true extent of casualties may remain unknown, especially since local customs dictate rapid burials. In addition to Mayotte, nearby regions have also been affected, with cyclone danger continuing to threaten parts of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe due to potential flooding. This tumultuous season follows a string of deadly cyclones that have plagued the southwestern Indian Ocean, highlighting the region’s persistent vulnerability.

The tragic impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte emphasizes the perilous nature of the cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, particularly from December to March. Over the years, the region has witnessed a series of powerful storms, including Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy in the previous year, both wreaking severe havoc across multiple countries. Mayotte, as France’s poorest overseas territory and a part of the European Union, faces significant challenges due to its socioeconomic conditions, leading to increased risks during natural disasters, particularly among its low-income population living in informal structures. These factors compound the humanitarian response efforts following such disasters.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, leading to significant loss of life and property. As rescue teams and supplies are mobilized, the French government faces substantial challenges in assessing the full human toll due to the island’s economic vulnerabilities and local customs. This catastrophic event underscores the ongoing threat posed by cyclones to the region, necessitating continued attention and preparedness measures for future storms and their repercussions on already vulnerable populations.

Original Source: apnews.com