Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused at least 14 deaths in Mayotte. With winds of up to 220 km/h, the storm has led to critical injuries for many residents and significant infrastructure damage. Emergency responses are underway, including military personnel and humanitarian aid dispatched to assist those affected.
At least 14 individuals have tragically lost their lives in Mayotte, a French archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean, following the catastrophic impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido. Local officials have deemed this cyclone the most calamitous to strike the islands since 1934. Currently, nine individuals are reported to be in critical condition, while a further 246 people are suffering from injuries of varying severity, according to the latest updates from local authorities.
The cyclone, exhibiting wind gusts reaching up to 220 kilometers per hour, has caused extensive destruction across the islands, with Mamoudzou, the archipelago’s capital, being particularly affected. As emergency responders access impoverished neighborhoods where approximately 100,000 residents live, officials anticipate that the death toll may increase due to the devastation observed in these settlements. The cyclone has severely damaged critical infrastructure, including vital roads and the international airport in Mamoudzou, whose control tower is now inoperable. Additionally, the region is grappling with widespread power outages and a significant shortage of potable water.
In response to this crisis, the French government has mobilized an initial batch of 140 military personnel and fire rescue teams from mainland France, with plans to escalate this number to 800. Furthermore, a military A400M transport aircraft has been dispatched to provide essential humanitarian aid to address the pressing needs of the affected populations.
The recent devastation in Mayotte underscores the impact of severe weather events on vulnerable communities. Tropical Cyclone Chido, identified as the most destructive storm affecting the region in nearly nine decades, has resulted in significant loss of life and property. The archipelago’s precarious housing conditions, particularly in slum areas, have exacerbated the situation, making residents more vulnerable to such natural disasters. The swift response from the French government highlights the urgency of humanitarian aid in crisis management following natural catastrophes.
In conclusion, the passage of Tropical Cyclone Chido through Mayotte has led to a substantial humanitarian crisis, with a confirmed death toll of 14 and many residents affected. As emergency responses are initiated, the scope of destruction poses a serious challenge to local authorities and the French government. Continued monitoring and support will be essential in the coming days as efforts to assist affected communities unfold.
Original Source: efe.com
