Death Toll from Cyclone Chido in Mayotte Could Reach Thousands After Devastation

Cyclone Chido has severely impacted Mayotte, with reported fatalities in the hundreds, potentially nearing one thousand. Infrastructure destruction is extensive, prompting urgent relief efforts from France and international organizations. This cyclone is marked as potentially the deadliest in the region in 90 years, exacerbating the challenges faced by one of France’s poorest territories.

The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage on the French territory of Mayotte, with the death toll reported by officials to be in the hundreds, possibly reaching into the thousands. Initial reports indicate at least 11 fatalities alongside more than 250 injuries, although the toll is expected to rise significantly as rescue operations continue. The tropical cyclone, categorized as a level 4 storm, produced wind speeds exceeding 220 kph, wreaking havoc across Mayotte’s infrastructure, including the airport and numerous neighborhoods.

Mayotte’s Prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, described the cyclone as potentially the deadliest on the island in nearly a century, emphasizing that the situation is dire in impoverished areas where many residences were comprised of metal shacks. With widespread destruction and disrupted electricity supply, relief efforts are being coordinated swiftly, and nearly 800 rescuers are set to join the response. Both the French national government and international agencies are mobilizing resources, aiming to establish essential support networks, including a coordinated air and sea bridge from nearby Reunion island.

In addition to the devastation in Mayotte, Cyclone Chido has impacted surrounding regions, including Comoros and Mozambique. Authorities are expressing concerns about further loss of life and the subsequent humanitarian crises that may arise from a lack of access to clean water and healthcare. Such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common in the region, leading experts to link them to the effects of climate change, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

Cyclone Chido has emerged as one of the most destructive cyclones in recent history for Mayotte, a French overseas territory situated in the Indian Ocean. As one of the poorest regions in France and the European Union, Mayotte struggles to cope with economic hardships that heighten the impact of such disasters. Cyclones, particularly during the December to March season, have been frequent threats to the region, but the ferocity of Cyclone Chido surpasses previous events, raising urgent concerns among local and international bodies regarding disaster response and climate resilience.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation in Mayotte, with a loss of life that officials anticipate may dramatically escalate. The coordinated response from France and international agencies aims to stabilize the situation and begin recovery efforts. The implications of this disaster highlight the pressing need for increased resilience against climate change and enhanced support for vulnerable populations in affected regions.

Original Source: apnews.com