Comoros Declares National Mourning Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation

Comoros has declared a week of national mourning following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido on neighboring Mayotte. Expectations of a high death toll, primarily among the impoverished populations, highlight the cyclone’s devastating effects. France has dispatched military resources to assist in rescue and recovery efforts as humanitarian conditions worsen.

The Comoros government announced a week of national mourning starting Monday in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, which particularly affected the neighboring island of Mayotte. President Azali Assoumani declared that the mourning period would extend until Sunday due to the significant loss of life and catastrophic damage to infrastructure. Reports indicate that authorities anticipate “several hundred” fatalities, especially among impoverished populations residing in shantytowns.

Cyclone Chido, classified as a category four hurricane, hit Mayotte on Saturday, unleashing winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour. The island’s population, approximately 320,000, includes many undocumented Comoran migrants. An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people reside on Mayotte due to irregular immigration, and many avoided shelters prior to the cyclone due to fear of detainment. Consequently, extensive destruction in the shantytowns suggests a significant loss of life.

France has mobilized military resources to provide assistance and bring rescue teams and supplies to the region. Responders cleared roads so that aid could reach people in affected areas, while communication and electricity services have been severely disrupted. Concerns regarding access to clean drinking water have also arisen, which may exacerbate the plight of the victims.

Mayotte faces an urgent humanitarian crisis as many people are now experiencing hunger and dire living conditions following the cyclone. Local officials, including Mayotte Senator Salama Ramia, have emphasized the urgent need for aid amidst worsening conditions, especially for vulnerable groups, including children.

Cyclone Chido has struck the French territorial island of Mayotte, adjacent to Comoros, with unprecedented severity, being the most damaging storm in nearly a century. The geographical proximity of the islands has fostered significant migration from Comoros to Mayotte, with many individuals residing there without documentation. The socio-economic context of Mayotte, characterized by widespread poverty and inadequate infrastructure, has compounded the effects of the cyclone, placing enormous strain on rescue efforts.

The declaration of a week of national mourning reflects the profound impact of Cyclone Chido on the islands of Comoros and Mayotte. The anticipated death toll indicates a considerable humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the existing socio-economic challenges faced by the local populations. Immediate international aid and rescue operations are critical in addressing the aftermath of this devastating storm.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com