Cyclone Chido has caused extensive destruction in Mayotte, with officials fearing the death toll may reach into the thousands. France is mobilizing rescue teams and supplies to address the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the cyclone, which is being classified as the worst in a century for the territory. Immediate restoration of essential services is critical as the region faces significant challenges due to the storm’s impact.
The recent impact of Cyclone Chido on the French territory of Mayotte is devastating, with officials estimating that the death toll could reach several hundred, potentially nearing a thousand. Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville described the cyclone as the worst to strike the island in ninety years, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and homes. Rescue teams and supplies are being dispatched as the French government seeks to assist the population in recovering from this calamity, which has particularly affected impoverished areas.
Cyclone Chido struck the southwestern Indian Ocean on Friday and Saturday, leading to significant destruction, especially in Mayotte, which is the poorest territory in the European Union. The cyclone registered as a category 4 storm, with winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph). With Mayotte’s population estimated at just over 300,000, the storm’s aftermath has revealed severe challenges, including collapsed neighborhoods and disrupted access to essential services.
The calamity brought by Cyclone Chido underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Mayotte, where infrastructure is severely compromised, and the death toll continues to rise. With the cyclone season ongoing, the region must not only focus on immediate relief but also on long-term strategies to mitigate the impacts of such natural disasters, especially in the context of escalating climate change.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
