Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, causing extensive destruction. Satellite images reveal significant damage in Mamoudzou and Petite-Terre, with over 19,000 buildings affected. Initial estimates indicate that 70% of the population has been severely impacted, raising concerns about potential casualties in the hundreds.
Four days following the devastating impact of tropical cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte on December 14, the French government has yet to ascertain the full extent of the human toll on the overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean. There exists a grave concern that casualties could potentially reach into the hundreds. Satellite imagery released by space technology firm Maxar, through Agence France-Presse, reveals alarming levels of destruction to both residential and infrastructure areas after the cyclone made landfall.
In Mamoudzou, the capital of Mayotte and the principal town on Grande-Terre, the destructive winds, recorded by Météo-France at over 180 km/h and gusting up to 250 km/h, led to the failure of numerous buildings. The industrial zones situated north of the capital, characterized by robust construction, exhibited somewhat greater resilience but nevertheless experienced substantial damage. The marina along Route Nationale No. 2 on the eastern coast was entirely obliterated due to the cyclone and subsequent marine inundation.
Additionally, the island of Petite-Terre, which encompasses the towns of Dzaoudzi and Pamandzi, also sustained extensive damage, particularly as this area was among the first to face the cyclone’s wrath. The port of Dzaoudzi suffered similarly, with its quays partially destroyed. Current estimates from the Interior Ministry indicate that approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population has been severely impacted by this natural disaster. According to the emergency services of the European Copernicus program, satellite analyses suggest that more than 19,000 structures and 105 kilometers of roadways have either been damaged or completely destroyed by the cyclone.
Tropical cyclone Chido made landfall on December 14, affecting Mayotte, an overseas territory of France in the Indian Ocean. Given its geographical vulnerability, Mayotte has been subject to various severe weather events, but the scale of destruction wrought by Chido has raised alarms about potential human and infrastructural losses. The French government, along with international agencies, is now engaged in assessing the damage to provide necessary aid and support to the affected population. Immediate impacts include significant damage to transportation infrastructure and residential buildings, reflecting the high intensity of the cyclone’s winds.
The aftermath of tropical cyclone Chido has left Mayotte in a state of devastation, with significant destruction to buildings and vital infrastructure. The French government is currently assessing the human toll amidst fears of high casualties. The emergency services are tackling the immediate aftermath, with over 70% of the population reportedly affected. The recovery process will require substantial effort and resources to aid the impacted communities and restore essential services.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
