Cyclone Chido has severely impacted Mayotte, leading to catastrophic damage and prompting a red alert. Officials underscored the need for residents to remain confined while emergency services were mobilized. Wind speeds reached dangerous levels, causing widespread power outages and hampering communication. The situation is critical, with government support pledged for recovery efforts.
Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in Mayotte, an island territory of France in the Indian Ocean. According to François-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, the region has been placed on red alert following what is described as “catastrophic” damage. He emphasized that although the alert level was downgraded from the highest violet to red, the impact of the cyclone persists. He urged residents to remain confined and united during this crisis, as many families have experienced catastrophic loss.
The cyclone has been recognized as the most intense and damaging storm in nine decades, with Bruno Retailleau, the former interior minister, describing the situation as dire. Over 110 civil security personnel have been deployed to aid recovery efforts, with an additional 140 to follow. Emergency services are urging the populace to heed local guidance to ensure safety while assessments of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and airports, commence.
Météo France reported winds reaching 226 kilometers per hour at Pamandzi airport, and while conditions are forecasted to improve as the cyclone moves further away, the aftermath is concerning. Reports indicate extensive power outages affecting over 15,000 homes, alongside compromised communication systems, which have hindered emergency response efforts. Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, head of Mayotte’s firefighters’ union, expressed concerns about the state of emergency facilities being incapacitated.
In response to the calamity, Prime Minister François Bayrou has relayed his commitment to staying updated on the evolving situation. President Emmanuel Macron reassured the island’s residents of the nation’s support during this urgent time, stating, “the whole country is at your side.” He pledged the deployment of reinforcements to the island as recovery efforts begin.
Mayotte is an island located in the Indian Ocean and is an overseas department of France. The territory is prone to severe weather events due to its geographical location, with cyclones posing a significant threat. Cyclone Chido is a recent and notable example, noted for its extreme strength and destructive capabilities. Understanding the frequent impact of cyclones on regional infrastructure and the community’s resilience is essential for grasping the ongoing recovery processes and governmental responses during such emergencies.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has wrought significant devastation on Mayotte, inspiring urgent local and national responses. With residents facing severe destruction and widespread power outages, authorities are mobilizing emergency services to restore order and assist those impacted. The situation remains critical, and ongoing assessments will guide recovery efforts moving forward, underlining the necessity for solid communication and community unity during crises. The French government is committed to supporting Mayotte’s recovery in the wake of this unprecedented storm.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
