Tropical Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Thousands Feared Dead

On December 14, 2024, Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, resulting in at least 21 deaths and over 830 injuries. The cyclone left one-third of the island’s population homeless and caused extensive damage, requiring the relocation of approximately 100,000 residents to emergency centers. Authorities anticipate the death toll could rise significantly as the recovery efforts continue.

Tropical Cyclone Chido struck the French Indian Ocean Territory of Mayotte on December 14, 2024, marking the most powerful cyclone to impact the region in nearly a century. The cyclone, categorized as a Category 4 equivalent with winds reaching speeds between 180-230 km/h (112-143 mph), resulted in significant loss of life, with at least 21 confirmed deaths and over 830 individuals injured. Clear assessments of the situation indicate that the death toll could escalate into the hundreds or even thousands as recovery operations progress.

In the aftermath, it has been reported that approximately 100,000 residents have been relocated to emergency shelters while 15,000 others suffered power outages. The cyclone has rendered one-third of the island’s 320,000 residents homeless, further compounding the crisis as local authorities work tirelessly to assess the full extent of the destruction. Authorities warned that numbers of casualties and those affected may be significantly understated, given the magnitude of the devastation encountered.

Aerial imagery released by the French gendarmerie illustrates widespread destruction, with numerous makeshift shelters obliterated. The regional hospital has also been severely affected, suffering extensive water damage and impairing critical services, as noted by Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq. The local government has urged the island’s residents to stay indoors during the storm’s passage, and there is significant concern over the overall readiness of emergency services as the situation unfolds.

Minister of Interior Bruno Retailleau emphasized the scale of homelessness caused by Cyclone Chido, asserting that at least one-third of Mayotte’s populace has been impacted. Eyewitness accounts from residents, such as Ibrahim, depicted the devastation as “apocalyptic.” To aid in recovery efforts, the French government has deployed additional military personnel and medical supplies to support the beleaguered island community as they begin to regroup and recover from this calamitous event. The full impact of Cyclone Chido remains to be fully assessed as rescue efforts are ongoing and more data continues to emerge.

Tropical Cyclone Chido occurred in December 2024, impacting Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean. This cyclone was the most severe storm to hit the island in 90 years, becoming a catastrophic event for the local population. The region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and limited infrastructure further exacerbated the effects of the cyclone, leading to significant destruction and displacement of residents.

Tropical Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, leading to considerable loss of life and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The ongoing efforts to assess and address the challenges faced by the island’s residents are essential to fostering recovery. As local and national authorities mobilize resources, the focus remains on saving lives, providing support to the displaced, and restoring critical services in the wake of this disaster.

Original Source: watchers.news