Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Death Toll Estimated in Hundreds

Cyclone Chido has caused widespread destruction in Mayotte, with local officials reporting that the death toll could number in the hundreds, potentially reaching into the thousands. Initial reports confirmed at least 11 dead and hundreds injured as rescue operations commence amid extensive infrastructural damage. The cyclone has impacted not only Mayotte, but is expected to affect regions in Madagascar and Mozambique as well.

Cyclone Chido has wrought havoc on the French territory of Mayotte, leading to a harrowing declaration by local officials that the death toll may reach several hundred, possibly exceeding a thousand. Following the cyclone’s devastating impact on December 14, 2024, initial reports confirmed at least 11 fatalities and over 250 injuries, but these figures are expected to escalate as rescue efforts continue. The cyclone, categorized as a powerful category 4, brought winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, severely damaging critical infrastructure, including the airport and residential areas predominantly characterized by informal settlements.

The Prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville, emphasized the crisis’s magnitude, remarking, “this figure is not plausible when you see the images of the slums,” indicating that the human toll is likely far greater than initially reported. French governmental responses included the deployment of rescue teams and supplies from mainland France and nearby Reunion, as well as efforts to restore power and access to essential water supplies. Meanwhile, communities in the island are grappling with significant destruction, leading residents like Chad Youyou to lament the extensive devastation, stating, “Mayotte is destroyed … we are destroyed.”

Additionally, the cyclone continued to affect surrounding regions, with significant repercussions anticipated in Mozambique and other neighboring areas. As the cyclone season intensifies, concerns about recurring humanitarian crises due to climate change prompts calls for increased international aid to support affected regions.

Cyclone Chido struck the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, a region particularly vulnerable to severe weather events. Due to its geographical location and socioeconomic conditions, Mayotte has faced several cyclonic storms over the years, with Chido being noted as the most catastrophic event in nearly a century. The cyclone brought catastrophic winds that led to widespread damage in both formal and informal settlements, with local infrastructure severely compromised. The increased frequency and intensity of cyclones have raised concerns about the impacts of climate change on the region, prompting discussions regarding humanitarian responses and global climate action.

The aftermath of Cyclone Chido presents a significant humanitarian crisis in Mayotte, with the potential for a much higher death toll, heightened by the already fragile socio-economic conditions of the territory. As rescue operations progress and international aid is mobilized, the discussion on climate change’s role in exacerbating such events becomes increasingly pertinent. Immediate needs focus on restoring essential services and address the ongoing challenges faced by affected communities, as the region copes with this unprecedented disaster.

Original Source: apnews.com