Cyclone Chido caused catastrophic damage in Mayotte, leading to a red alert. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville emphasized the cyclone’s ongoing threat, while emergency services mobilized extensively. The cyclone, one of the most violent in 90 years, left over 15,000 homes without electricity. Government leaders assured support for recovery efforts amidst the destruction.
Cyclone Chido has wreaked “catastrophic” destruction on Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, prompting officials to place the island under red alert status, as announced by Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville. Although the alert level was lowered from the more severe violet to red, Bieuville emphasized the cyclone is not yet over, urging residents to remain “confined” and united during these trying times. This event has been described as the most intense cyclone to impact the archipelago in nearly a century, leading to significant losses for many inhabitants.
The outgoing interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, highlighted that emergency services at both the state and local levels are fully mobilized. In response to the disaster, early contingents of civil security personnel and firefighters were dispatched, with further troops to follow. He implored residents to heed the instructions of local authorities to ensure their safety as the region assesses the damage, particularly to critical infrastructures such as hospitals and airports. Furthermore, measures have been implemented to maintain public order and prevent looting.
As Cyclone Chido battered the region, wind speeds at Pamandzi airport reached 226 kilometers per hour. Fortunately, meteorological forecasts suggested that conditions could improve as the cyclone moved away from Mayotte. The cyclone passed directly over the northern part of the island early Saturday, and satellite imaging indicated its position around mid-morning, with projections indicating it was heading towards Mozambique’s coastline.
On the ground, the cyclone left over 15,000 homes without power, and communications were severely impacted. Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, the head of Mayotte’s firefighters’ union, reported that emergency responders experienced significant challenges, with lost mobile service hampering their efforts. The damage appears extensive, affecting even those structures built to withstand earthquakes. Road traffic restrictions were enforced, and the main airport, Dzaoudzi, was closed in response to the crisis.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou and President Emmanuel Macron have been closely monitoring the situation, with Macron expressing solidarity with the residents. He assured that the nation stands with Mayotte and that governmental support would arrive imminently to aid recovery efforts.
Overall, Cyclone Chido has inflicted unprecedented damage on Mayotte, significantly impacting the local infrastructure and community. The dedication of emergency services and support measures from the French government are critical in addressing the immediate aftermath of this natural disaster.
Cyclone Chido has emerged as a significant natural disaster for Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean. The island, which has been relatively stable for many years, experienced unprecedented cyclonic activity with devastating effects. Historical context highlights that this cyclone is among the most severe recorded in the region in the last ninety years, creating a state of emergency and necessitating extensive disaster response efforts from local and national governments. The aftermath involves addressing infrastructure damage, restoring power and communication lines, and ensuring public safety against potential looting and further issues as the community begins to recover.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has had a profound and catastrophic impact on Mayotte, necessitating a red alert and mobilizing emergency services to respond to widespread destruction. With over 15,000 households experiencing power outages and severe communication disruptions, the situation remains dire. Continued governmental support and adherence to safety protocols are crucial as the island begins to navigate the recovery process from this unprecedented event. Mayotte’s resilience will be tested as it confronts the challenges posed by the aftermath of Cyclone Chido.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr