Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, particularly the northern Grande-Terre region, causing at least two deaths and widespread destruction. Local authorities fear the human toll may be higher. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville warned that many residents have lost everything and that full assessments of damages and casualties are pending due to ongoing severe weather conditions.
Cyclone Chido has caused extensive damage across the archipelago of Mayotte, particularly impacting the northern region of Grande-Terre island. The cyclone made landfall on Saturday morning, December 14, resulting in severe devastation. Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila reported the tragic deaths of two individuals in the marginalized community of Kawéni, who were killed when their tin shelters were crushed by falling furniture. Local officials are concerned that the incident’s human toll may be significantly higher than currently reported.
In a press statement issued that evening, Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville declared ongoing red alert status due to anticipated continued rainfall and dangerous winds. “Many Mahorais have lost everything,” he lamented, highlighting the widespread destruction of entire neighborhoods. As emergency services assess the aftermath, no comprehensive account of injuries or fatalities has yet been established.
The town of Mamoudzou experienced severe losses as well, with the mayor describing the erasure of shantytowns on elevated areas as they were “swept away like crumbs.” The impoverished department of Mayotte, characterized by precarious tin housing that makes up roughly a third of its dwellings, faced wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h. Such powerful gusts further compromised many concrete structures by tearing off roofs and breaking windows. Furthermore, fallen trees have obstructed roadways, complicating rescue efforts and hindering mobility throughout the region.
Cyclones are increasingly threatening coastal areas worldwide, and their impacts can be particularly devastating in less developed regions such as Mayotte. As the poorest department of France, Mayotte faces unique challenges in disaster resilience, with a significant portion of its population residing in informal housing that is ill-equipped to withstand extreme weather. Tropical cyclones often bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, which can devastate infrastructure, cause loss of life, and lead to long-term economic hardship.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage in Mayotte, particularly affecting vulnerable communities and exacerbating existing socioeconomic challenges in the region. The continued assessments by local officials indicate a severe humanitarian crisis may be unfolding, necessitating urgent assistance and support for those impacted by this disaster. As recovery efforts begin, it is crucial to evaluate the response to such natural disasters and explore ways to bolster resilience within at-risk populations.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
