Cyclone Chido, the most severe storm to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, has claimed at least 11 lives and left hundreds injured in the French Indian Ocean territory, the Associated Press (AP) reported. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue amidst extensive devastation.
The cyclone made landfall on Saturday, bringing wind gusts exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph). Entire neighborhoods were flattened, and critical infrastructure sustained significant damage, including the island’s main hospital and airport, leaving many residents stranded and without access to medical care, according to BBC.
French President Emmanuel Macron has assured full support for the people of Mayotte, stating that France would “be there” to assist during this crisis. Emergency response teams, including 250 firefighters and security personnel, have been deployed to aid in rescue efforts and safeguard against looting, BBC reported.
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Mayotte, home to over 300,000 residents, is among the poorest territories in the European Union. Many people live in precarious housing, much of which was completely destroyed by Cyclone Chido. The storm has disrupted power, water, and internet services across the island, with emergency supplies now being flown in by military aircraft.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described Cyclone Chido as the worst storm to hit Mayotte since 1934, according to BBC. He highlighted the widespread devastation, saying, “The scale of the destruction is immense, and we fear a heavy death toll.” Makeshift homes were obliterated, leaving tens of thousands homeless.
After battering Mayotte, Cyclone Chido intensified over the Mozambique Channel and made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday, according to AP. The provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, home to millions, are now bracing for widespread flooding and damage.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that schools, homes, and health facilities in Mozambique had been partially or entirely destroyed, leaving communities facing weeks of isolation due to damaged infrastructure.
“Additional support is urgently needed to ensure continuity of basic services,” UNICEF stated.
Southern Malawi and Zimbabwe are also on high alert as Chido is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding in the coming days.
Cyclone Chido is the latest in a series of severe storms to hit the southeastern Indian Ocean in recent years, with climate change exacerbating their impact. Poorer countries like Mozambique and Malawi, which contribute minimally to global emissions, are disproportionately affected.
As the region deals with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, AP reports that humanitarian agencies are warning of an increased risk of cholera, dengue, and malaria outbreaks due to the stagnant water left by the storm.
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