Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, resulting in at least 21 confirmed deaths, over 830 injuries, and leaving one-third of the island’s 320,000 residents homeless. Emergency services faced challenges amidst widespread devastation as over 100,000 individuals were relocated and significant damage was reported across various facilities, including hospitals. Authorities anticipate a rising death toll as recovery efforts continue.
Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mayotte on December 14, 2024, marking the most severe storm the island has experienced in nearly a century. Initial reports indicate that at least 21 individuals have died, while over 830 have sustained injuries. Authorities are deeply concerned that as assessments continue, the casualty figures could rise to hundreds or even thousands. The cyclone has left one-third of the island’s population, approximately 320,000 residents, homeless, compelling the relocation of over 100,000 individuals to makeshift emergency shelters and causing widespread destruction across the territory.
Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, has experienced significant devastation due to Tropical Cyclone Chido, which reached category 4 strength as it approached the region. Wind speeds of 180 to 230 km/h led to extensive damage to infrastructure, including public health facilities and residential areas. The tropical cyclone has put overwhelming pressure on emergency services and humanitarian responses, underlining the profound vulnerability of island territories to such natural disasters.
The aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido presents an alarming humanitarian crisis for Mayotte, with potential casualties ongoing as recovery efforts unfold. Local government officials and health authorities face a daunting task as they assess damage, provide aid to the affected population, and restore essential services. Recovery efforts are critical at this juncture, necessitating both immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term support to rebuild the vital infrastructure of the island.
Original Source: watchers.news
