Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage to Mayotte, resulting in a red alert. Emergency services are mobilized, and the assessment of critical infrastructure is underway. With widespread outages and transport disruptions, government officials are committed to providing support and resources to the affected communities.
Cyclone Chido has caused “catastrophic” damage to Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, as reported by Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville. Following the cyclone, which is deemed the most destructive in nearly a century, the alert level has been downgraded from violet to red, although authorities emphasize that the cyclone’s threat persists. Many residents are facing immense loss, and Bieuville urged the community to remain “confined” and “united” during this crisis.
Bruno Retailleau, the outgoing Interior Minister, noted the extensive damage and confirmed that emergency services are fully mobilized. Approximately 110 civil security personnel and firefighters have been deployed, with an additional 140 expected soon. The Ministry of the Interior has begun assessing the damage to critical infrastructure while implementing measures to uphold public order amidst concerns about potential looting.
Météo France reported wind gusts reaching up to 226 kilometers per hour at Pamandzi airport. The cyclone’s eye moved over northern Mayotte early on Saturday morning before shifting westward, with heavy winds and rain continuing as it progressed toward Mozambique. The impact has led to widespread electrical outages affecting more than 15,000 residences, further exacerbated by the lack of mobile service, which hampers emergency communications.
Transport has been severely disrupted, with road traffic prohibited and the Dzaoudzi airport closed. French Prime Minister François Bayrou is closely monitoring the situation, while President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the people of Mayotte, ensuring that assistance will arrive promptly. The government has committed to providing necessary reinforcements in the coming days.
Mayotte is a unique French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean and has been susceptible to cyclonic activity due to its geographical location. Cyclones pose significant risks, potentially causing floods, destructing infrastructure, and severely affecting the local population. Following the passage of Cyclone Chido, which is characterized as one of the most violent cyclones in the region’s history, the government has activated emergency protocols and mobilized resources to facilitate recovery and maintain public safety.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has inflicted severe damage on the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, necessitating heightened emergency measures and community resilience. With significant wind speeds recorded and widespread electrical outages, local and national authorities are responding to mitigate the impact and ensure safety. As the situation develops, the solidarity of the French government alongside the affected population will be crucial for recovery efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by island communities in the wake of natural disasters.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
