PM Modi Condoles Cyclone Chido’s Devastation in Mayotte, Offers Relief Aid
Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, causing 22 deaths and over 1,400 injuries. PM Modi expressed condolences and offered assistance for relief efforts. The cyclone affected 70% of the population, prompting French authorities to enhance support and impose curfews. Experts warn of increased cyclone intensity due to climate change.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sadness over the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte, a French overseas territory located near Madagascar. The cyclone, which struck the region with winds reaching 200 kilometers per hour, has resulted in the tragic loss of 22 lives and left over 1,400 individuals injured. In a statement shared via social media platform X, PM Modi conveyed his condolences and affirmed India’s readiness to provide all necessary support. He voiced confidence in the leadership of French President Emmanuel Macron to navigate through this crisis with resilience and determination.
The cyclone has caused extensive devastation affecting an estimated 70 percent of Mayotte’s population. Reports indicate that many regions remain inaccessible due to blocked roads and debris, potentially leading to more casualties. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the territory as “completely devastated” and disclosed plans to boost relief efforts, including the deployment of additional paramilitary personnel to assist in recovery operations. A nighttime curfew has been instituted in Mayotte to address concerns regarding looting and the outbreak of disease.
French President Emmanuel Macron labeled the situation a “tragedy” during an emergency meeting, pledging a personal visit to the island in the coming days. The government plans to restore half of the potable water supply within 48 hours while delivering additional supplies of food and water. Meanwhile, Mozambique has also reported fatalities, with at least 34 dead and over 300 injured as a result of the cyclone’s reach, which led to unprecedented rainfall and damage in the area. Experts emphasized that Cyclone Chido is the most powerful to strike the archipelago in more than 90 years, attributing the intensity of such storms to rising ocean temperatures driven by climate change.
Cyclone Chido represents one of the most significant natural disasters to impact the Mayotte region in nearly a century. The cyclone’s intensity has raised concerns among experts about the increasing frequency and severity of such events, which they attribute to the effects of global warming. With a vulnerable population and inadequate infrastructure, the consequences of such devastating weather events pose serious challenges to recovery and resilience.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage across Mayotte, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expression of solidarity highlights India’s commitment to support France during this crisis. The international community is watching closely as the region works towards recovery, emphasizing the urgent need for global action against climate change to mitigate future calamities of this nature.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
