Comoros Declares Mourning After Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte

Comoros has declared a week of national mourning following the devastation of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, where officials fear hundreds may have died. The cyclone, classified as a category four storm, caused significant damage, particularly to shantytowns. Urgent aid is needed as many residents face hunger and loss of basic services, and the death toll may be difficult to accurately determine due to cultural burial practices.

On Monday, the Comoros government declared a week of national mourning following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in neighboring Mayotte, where authorities estimate there could be several hundred fatalities. President Azali Assoumani announced that the mourning period will conclude on Sunday, emphasizing the immense loss of life and extensive destruction of infrastructure. Cyclone Chido, classified as a category four hurricane, struck with winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour on Saturday, affecting a region where many residents live in makeshift housing, particularly in shantytowns.

The situation is dire, especially for the undocumented population in Mayotte; it is estimated that irregular immigration may swell the island’s population to between 100,000 and 200,000. Many migrants had not sought shelter prior to the cyclone, possibly out of fear of identification. Sources indicate that entire shantytowns have been obliterated, leading to a significant number of potential casualties. Assistance from France has commenced, with military-grade vehicles deployed to clear debris and ensure that aid can reach affected areas swiftly.

Mayotte’s residents are currently facing chaos and deprivation, with reports of extensive damage to communication and electricity supplies. As shelters fill with citizens, Mayotte Senator Salama Ramia highlighted the urgent need for aid, stating: “There’s no water, no electricity. Hunger is starting to rise. It’s urgent that aid arrives, especially when you see children, babies, to whom we have nothing concrete to offer.” Despite its challenges, Mayotte, a densely populated archipelago in the Indian Ocean, holds strategic and historical significance as a French territory.

Authorities are struggling to confirm casualties, as the rapid burial practices in Islamic culture may mean that many deaths go unrecorded. The Prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville, estimated the death toll could reach into the thousands, highlighting the extraordinary scale of the cyclone’s impact. Rescue teams are currently being dispatched from France and Reunion island to facilitate recovery efforts in the wake of this catastrophic event.

Cyclone Chido, a category-four storm, struck Mayotte, a French territory located between Madagascar and Africa, causing unprecedented destruction. Mayotte has a complex demographic landscape influenced by migration from the Comoros, leading to considerable undocumented populations living in vulnerable conditions. The cyclone’s ferocity has resulted in fears of significant loss of life and extensive infrastructure damage, compounded by the lack of immediate data on the undocumented residents affected. Humanitarian efforts are being mobilized, but the urgency of the situation underscores the challenges in providing adequate assistance to those in dire need amidst ongoing recovery operations.

In summary, the tragic aftermath of Cyclone Chido has prompted a nationwide mourning in the Comoros as the extent of devastation in Mayotte becomes clearer. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the lack of infrastructure and support for undocumented residents, thus presenting significant challenges for rescue and recovery efforts. As international support is mobilized, vigil and compassion are essential for those affected during this critical period of rebuilding and healing.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com