Devastation in Mayotte: Cyclone Chido’s Catastrophic Impact

Cyclone Chido caused catastrophic damage in Mayotte, prompting a red alert. While emergency services mobilized to assist residents, extensive infrastructure damage was reported, leaving thousands without electricity. President Macron and Prime Minister Bayrou emphasized ongoing support for recovery efforts.

On Saturday, Cyclone Chido wreaked “catastrophic” destruction on Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, prompting officials to implement a red alert status. François-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, warned that while the alert was downgraded from violet, the cyclone remained a significant threat and urged residents to stay indoors and united. He described Chido as the most violent cyclone to impact the region in nearly a century, resulting in numerous individuals losing their homes and possessions.

In response to the cyclone’s ferocity, Bruno Retailleau, the outgoing interior minister, reported extensive damage while assuring that emergency services were fully engaged, with over 250 personnel deployed to assist those affected. The Ministry of the Interior has initiated damage assessments for critical infrastructure while enforcing public order measures to avert looting. Despite efforts to evaluate the situation, officials could not yet determine the extent of human or material losses.

Météo France reported wind speeds reaching 226 kilometers per hour at Pamandzi airport during the cyclone’s peak. Although conditions began to stabilize as the cyclone shifted away from the island, the aftermath was severe, leaving approximately 15,000 homes without electricity, with communication services disrupted. Emergency responders faced significant challenges, and even structures built to withstand earthquakes were compromised, indicating the cyclone’s unprecedented strength.

Transport was severely hindered as road traffic was suspended and Dzaoudzi airport ceased operations. Prime Minister François Bayrou expressed his commitment to staying abreast of developments, while President Emmanuel Macron reiterated national solidarity with Mayotte. “The situation is urgent. We will be there today and tomorrow,” he stated, affirming the deployment of additional resources to support recovery efforts.

Cyclone Chido has emerged as one of the most powerful storms to strike the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, marking a significant meteorological event in the region’s history. Cyclones in this area pose serious threats to life and infrastructure due to the typically high wind speeds and heavy rainfall they bring. As part of its emergency response mechanisms, the French government has mobilized local and national resources to provide immediate aid and assess damage in the aftermath of such natural disasters.

In summary, Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mayotte has been catastrophic, with widespread damage and infrastructure failures complicating recovery efforts. Authorities have mobilized emergency services and resources to address the urgent needs of the population. While the situation continues to evolve, officials stress the importance of public compliance with safety directives. The solidarity expressed by national leaders underscores a collective effort to support Mayotte during this challenging time.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr