Devastation in Mayotte Following Cyclone Chido

Tropical cyclone Chido caused widespread destruction in Mayotte, with satellite images revealing severe infrastructural damage. The capital Mamoudzou experienced significant building collapses and infrastructural failures. An estimated 70% of the island’s population has been severely impacted, with over 19,000 buildings and extensive roadways damaged or destroyed. The full human toll remains uncertain, with fears of potentially hundreds of fatalities.

Four days after the catastrophic passage of tropical cyclone Chido on December 14, the French government remains unable to fully assess the human toll in Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, with initial fears suggesting potential fatalities could reach the hundreds. Satellite imagery released by space technology firm Maxar has highlighted the extensive devastation across the island.

In Mamoudzou, the capital, the immense winds exceeding 180 km/h, with gusts nearing 250 km/h, resulted in widespread destruction as most buildings succumbed to the violent storm. Although the industrial sectors in northern Mamoudzou demonstrated greater resilience, they too faced notable damage, while the marina along Route Nationale No. 2 was completely obliterated due to marine submersion caused by the cyclone.

The island of Petite-Terre, consisting of Dzaoudzi and Pamandzi, was the initial impact zone for the cyclone. Here, significant destruction was observed, particularly in the port of Dzaoudzi where sections of the quays were partially destroyed. The Interior Ministry has reported that approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population has been severely affected by the cyclone, with the European Copernicus program estimating damage to over 19,000 buildings and 105 kilometers of road infrastructure.

The recent impacts of tropical cyclone Chido on Mayotte have elicited severe concerns and responses from the French government and humanitarian agencies. Given its geographical position in the Indian Ocean, Mayotte is vulnerable to extreme weather events, especially cyclones that can lead to substantial human and material losses. The assessment of the damage caused is critical for establishing recovery efforts and aiding those impacted. The urgency lies in accurately determining the extent of destruction to facilitate prompt relief.

The aftermath of cyclone Chido in Mayotte has been devastating, with significant damage reported across the territory. The inability of the French government to ascertain the full extent of human casualties coupled with the destruction of infrastructure necessitates immediate humanitarian efforts. As assessments continue, it is essential to prioritize the needs of the approximately 70% of the population affected and facilitate recovery efforts as swiftly as possible.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr