Comoros Mourns as Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: A Call for Urgent Aid

Comoros has declared a week of mourning after Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, potentially causing several hundred deaths. The cyclone, the worst in 90 years, has devastated infrastructure, particularly in shantytowns. Response efforts are underway, yet severe shortages of water and food have emerged, exacerbated by damage to key facilities and the presence of undocumented migrants.

Comoros has declared a week of national mourning following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in nearby Mayotte, where authorities anticipate significant casualties. President Azali Assoumani announced that the mourning period will extend until Sunday, as the region grapples with severe infrastructure damage resulting from winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, marking this cyclone as the most powerful to strike the area in ninety years. Mayotte’s population, significantly composed of Comorans, has experienced monumental destruction, particularly in shantytowns where many residents reside.

The cyclone has left approximately half of Mayotte’s official population of 320,000 affected, with estimates of undocumented migrants residing on the island reaching between 100,000 and 200,000. Reports indicate that informal, makeshift housing has largely contributed to potential casualties during the disaster, with sources close to the local authorities indicating that all shantytowns have been flattened, leading to fears of considerable loss of life. Compounded by widespread power outages and disrupted communications, residents are facing critical shortages of clean water and access to food, as highlighted by local Senator Salama Ramia.

In response to the crisis, France has mobilized ships and military aircraft for urgent humanitarian assistance, utilizing military vehicles for the removal of debris to facilitate rescue efforts. However, the main hospital on the island and other key infrastructure suffered extensive damage, complicating relief operations. With the death toll potentially reaching several hundred, rescue efforts are urgently underway, although recovery and accurate victim counts may be hampered by rapid burials customary in the Muslim faith and the challenges of tracking undocumented migrants. Overall, the enormity of the disaster accentuates the vulnerabilities faced by Mayotte, which is already among the poorest regions within the European Union.

The article concerns the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte, an island closely linked to Comoros, a neighboring archipelago. Historically, Mayotte remained under French control after Comoros achieved independence in the 1970s, resulting in a demographically unique population that includes many Comorans. Cyclone Chido’s unprecedented strength led to severe infrastructural damage and significant humanitarian challenges, particularly in slums where many residents faced extreme vulnerability. The ongoing situation underscores the region’s socio-economic challenges and the urgent need for effective disaster response.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has wrought havoc on Mayotte, leading to a profound humanitarian crisis characterized by extensive damage and significant loss of life. The declaration of national mourning in Comoros reflects the deep-seated ties between the two islands. With relief efforts underway, the situation demands urgent attention to address ongoing shortages of essentials, while the complexities surrounding undocumented migration further complicate recovery efforts. The aftermath of this disaster serves to highlight the vulnerability of Mayotte, further necessitating enhanced international support and disaster preparedness.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com