Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, causing winds above 124 mph, leading to extensive destruction and a dire humanitarian situation, with reports of many fatalities and critical shortages of food and water. Local authorities and emergency teams are working to assess damages and provide essential aid amidst severe challenges.
Rescue operations are currently underway on the island of Mayotte following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, which struck over the past weekend. Winds exceeding 124 mph caused extensive destruction, leaving officials warning that essential supplies such as food and water are rapidly depleting. Reports indicate that more than 20 individuals have lost their lives, with estimates suggesting that the death toll may reach several hundred, if not more, according to local officials. Emergency services are facing severe challenges in accessing the affected areas due to destroyed infrastructure and debris.
Efforts to provide relief are ongoing, with the French Red Cross sending over 20 tons of emergency supplies, including drinking water and hygiene kits, from the nearby Reunion island. However, many regions remain isolated, complicating rescue efforts further. Mayotte’s main hospital and its only airport sustained significant damage, hampering both aid delivery and evacuations. Local authorities are striving to clear roads with military assistance, yet access to many areas remains restricted.
Local leaders are increasingly alarmed at the critical shortages of basic necessities. Senator Salama Ramia reported dire conditions, stating, “There is no water, no electricity. Hunger is starting to rise.” Residents have described the aftermath of the cyclone as resembling a war zone with widespread devastation. French President Emmanuel Macron has scheduled an emergency meeting and expressed his intent to visit the region to assess the situation and bolster support for the affected population.
Cyclone Chido has also affected neighboring regions, including the Comoros Islands and parts of Madagascar, before making landfall in Mozambique, where reports indicate that at least three fatalities have occurred. The European Parliament, recognizing the calamity’s impact, observed a moment of silence for the victims and has pledged support for the affected areas.
As the recovery process unfolds, the scale of destruction and the acute need for humanitarian assistance highlight the critical situation on Mayotte amidst a national day of mourning declared by the French government. Aid agencies warn that over two million individuals may be impacted across the broader region due to this cyclone, which has been characterized as one of the worst to strike Mayotte in nearly a century.
Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant weather event in the Indian Ocean, particularly affecting Mayotte, a French overseas territory which is one of the poorest regions of France and is situated approximately 5,000 miles from Paris. The cyclone’s powerful winds have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, leaving many residents without access to essential services. The response from local and international agencies underscores the humanitarian crisis that is developing as a result of this natural disaster.
The situation on Mayotte following Cyclone Chido is critical as rescue workers continue their search for survivors amidst severe shortages of food and water. The extensive damage to infrastructure complicates relief operations and exacerbates the challenges faced by local authorities. The international community’s response, including support from the French government and aid agencies, is crucial to addressing the immediate humanitarian needs resulting from this devastating event.
Original Source: news.sky.com
