Comoros Declares Week of Mourning Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation
The Comoros has declared a week of national mourning after Cyclone Chido caused catastrophic damage near Mayotte, resulting in potential loss of “several hundred” lives and significant infrastructural destruction. President Azali Assoumani announced that mourning will continue until Sunday, reflecting the deep impact of this disaster.
The Comoros archipelago, located near the French overseas territory of Mayotte, has declared a week of national mourning following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. This category 4 storm, which struck on December 16, has inflicted severe damage on the region, particularly in Mayotte, where preliminary reports estimate “several hundred” deaths, especially among vulnerable populations in shanty towns. President Azali Assoumani has announced that the mourning period will extend until the subsequent Sunday, reflecting the profound loss experienced by the island nations and their communities. Cyclone Chido is recognized as the most catastrophic storm to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, reaching wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (137 miles per hour). The cyclone caused substantial destruction where approximately a third of Mayotte’s population lives in makeshift dwellings.
The Comoros consists of three islands situated in the Indian Ocean, closely associated with Mayotte, which opted to remain a French department during referendums for independence over 40 years ago. The geographical proximity of the two territories — only 70 kilometers apart — has led to significant migration patterns, with many Comorans residing in Mayotte. The recent cyclone marked a historical weather event, being the most severe in recent memory and posing a serious humanitarian crisis due to the loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
In summary, the Cyclone Chido has resulted in extensive devastation, leading the Comoros to declare a national week of mourning. The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of communities in the region, particularly in Mayotte, where many lives have been lost and countless individuals face severe hardships. The effects of this disaster will be felt for a long time as recovery efforts are undertaken to restore the affected areas.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
