PM Modi Offers Condolences and Relief for Cyclone Chido’s Impact on Mayotte

Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences for Cyclone Chido’s devastation in Mayotte, where 22 fatalities and 1,400 injuries were reported. The cyclone has severely impacted the territory, prompting international assistance and a state of emergency in France, as experts warn of the increasing threat of severe weather due to climate change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sadness regarding the devastation inflicted by Cyclone Chido upon the French overseas territory of Mayotte, which occurred on Sunday. The cyclone, characterized by winds reaching 200 km/h, has tragically resulted in the loss of 22 lives and left over 1,400 individuals injured. In his statement on the social media platform X, PM Modi extended condolences to the victims and assured that India is prepared to offer extensive support to aid in the relief efforts.

The cyclone has left parts of Mayotte in ruins, with reports indicating that major portions of the island remain inaccessible due to debris and blocked roads, raising concerns that the death toll may rise. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau noted that the disaster has left the territory “completely devastated,” impacting approximately 70% of the local population. In response, the French government has deployed an additional 400 paramilitary personnel to assist the 1,600 already dedicated to relief and rehabilitation.

In light of the circumstances, a nighttime curfew has been implemented from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM to mitigate security risks including looting and disease outbreaks. President Emmanuel Macron characterized the situation as a “tragedy” and plans to visit the affected region shortly. The French administration aims to restore 50% of water services within 48 hours and has begun supplying emergency food and water.

Additionally, neighboring Mozambique has reported casualties, with at least 34 fatalities and 300 injuries due to the cyclone. Experts have warned that the escalating intensity of such storms may correlate with rising ocean temperatures, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change to prevent future catastrophes.

Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte—a French overseas territory located near Madagascar—resulting in a humanitarian crisis marked by significant loss of life and injuries. This event is particularly notable as it is the strongest cyclone to impact the archipelago in over 90 years. The current situation reflects broader concerns regarding climate change, as experts link the increased frequency and intensity of cyclones to warmer ocean conditions, stressing the urgent need for global action to combat climate-related disasters.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused extensive devastation in Mayotte, prompting an international response led by India and France. With the death toll potentially rising and infrastructure severely impaired, immediate relief efforts are critical. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of island nations to severe weather phenomena, urging a reevaluation of global climate strategies to alleviate future risks.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com