Cyclone Chido Causes Tragic Loss and Widespread Damage in Mayotte

Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, leading to at least 11 fatalities and numerous injuries. The cyclone’s winds exceeded 220 kph, causing extensive structural damage and uprooting trees. Efforts to assess the full extent of the impact are ongoing, while Chido continues to affect neighboring countries as it moves onward, prompting concerns of widespread disruption.

Cyclone Chido has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 11 lives in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, as confirmed by France’s Interior Ministry on Sunday. The ministry indicated that accurately assessing the numbers of deceased and injured is challenging, with the concern that the toll may rise further. Local hospitals report that nine individuals are in critical condition, and a total of 246 have sustained injuries due to the cyclone’s impact.

The tropical cyclone traversed through the southeastern Indian Ocean, wreaking havoc on nearby islands, including Comoros and Madagascar. Officials indicated that Mayotte endured severe destruction on Saturday and described it as the worst cyclone experienced by the territory in nine decades. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau remarked after an emergency meeting that there are significant apprehensions regarding the potential increase in the death toll in Mayotte, as winds from Chido exceeded 220 kph, damaging roofs and obliterating various structures in the region.

The destructive winds devastated entire neighborhoods, uprooted numerous trees, and flipped or sunk boats. Additionally, major impairment was reported at the main airport of Mayotte, a geographically isolated island with a quarter of a million inhabitants. Historically, Mayotte has encountered challenges related to drought and limited investment in infrastructure and community resources.

Currently, Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, and emergency officials anticipate that 2.5 million individuals could be affected in this area, which encompasses two northern provinces. Neighboring landlocked nations Malawi and Zimbabwe are also bracing for potential impacts, with warnings issued for possible evacuations from flood-prone low-lying regions. This storm follows a series of powerful cyclones that have struck the southeastern Indian Ocean in recent years, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, which tragically claimed over 1,500 lives across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

Cyclone Chido has emerged as one of the most significant natural disasters to impact Mayotte, highlighting the vulnerability of this region to severe weather events. Comprising two main islands located approximately 800 kilometers off the eastern coast of Africa, Mayotte has grappled with issues such as underinvestment and drought, rendering it particularly susceptible to the devastating effects of cyclones. This recent cyclone’s intensity and effects underline the increasing frequency and severity of such storms in the Indian Ocean, raising concerns about future preparedness and resilience efforts in this and other affected nations.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 11 lives and left a wave of destruction across Mayotte, exacerbating existing challenges faced by the territory. With fears of a rising death toll and significant damage reported, the response to this natural disaster will be critical. The cyclone’s path continues towards Mozambique, causing further alarm as millions brace for impact. This unprecedented event underscores the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and infrastructural investment in vulnerable regions.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com