Mayotte Faces Catastrophic Damage As Cyclone Chido Strikes

Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage in Mayotte, prompting red alerts for the island. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville announced extensive losses and mobilization of emergency services while warning that the cyclone’s effects are still ongoing. The crisis has left thousands without power and has led to significant disruptions in communication and transport. French authorities, including Prime Minister Bayrou and President Macron, pledged support and reinforcement to help the affected residents.

On Saturday, Cyclone Chido struck the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, causing catastrophic damage, as reported by Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville. Though the alert level was downgraded from violet to red, Bieuville insisted that the cyclone’s impact was not yet over, calling on residents to remain united and confined during this crisis. He noted that many individuals have lost everything due to what he described as the most violent cyclone in the region in 90 years.

Bruno Retailleau, the outgoing interior minister, indicated that emergency services were actively mobilized, with 110 civil security personnel and firefighters already deployed, and an additional 140 set to arrive by Sunday. The Ministry of the Interior has initiated damage assessments on critical infrastructure and implemented public order measures to prevent looting during the crisis. Due to the severity of the cyclone, the population is currently under confinement.

Wind speeds reached up to 226 kilometers per hour at Pamandzi airport, although conditions are expected to stabilize as the cyclone moves away. As the cyclone’s eye passed over northern Mayotte, it continued to produce intense winds and rain. The aftermath has left over 15,000 homes without electricity, as emergency responders face communication challenges. Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, the head of Mayotte’s firefighters’ union, reported that emergency service operations are hampered, with even buildings designed for earthquake resilience struggling to withstand the cyclone’s force.

Additionally, road traffic is banned, and the main airport, Dzaoudzi, remains closed. Prime Minister François Bayrou stated his commitment to staying informed about the evolving situation, and President Emmanuel Macron assured that the entire nation is standing in solidarity with the people of Mayotte, promising reinforcements in the following days.

The ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for assistance and underscores the challenges faced by the local population in the wake of such a devastating natural disaster.

Mayotte, an island in the Indian Ocean, has recently faced the severe impact of Cyclone Chido. This event marks a significant meteorological crisis for the region, with the cyclone being noted as the most destructive in nearly a century. Cyclones represent a recurring threat to island territories in tropical regions, necessitating preparedness and swift emergency response measures to mitigate damage and assist affected communities. The situation in Mayotte is compounded by infrastructural vulnerabilities and challenges in emergency communication and services following the cyclone’s devastation.

In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on the island of Mayotte, prompting a state of emergency in response to widespread destruction. With significant loss of infrastructure and ongoing challenges for emergency services and communication networks, the local and national authorities are mobilizing to provide assistance. The commitment of the French government to aid the residents during this urgent situation highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness in facing natural disasters.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr