Tropical cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation in Mayotte, leading to significant structural damage and an estimated impact on 70% of the population. Satellite images reveal over 19,000 buildings and 105 km of roads either damaged or destroyed, with fears of potential fatalities in the hundreds.
Four days following the devastating impact of tropical cyclone Chido on Mayotte, the French overseas territory recorded significant destruction. Although the French government has yet to determine the precise human toll, preliminary fears indicate that fatalities could reach into the hundreds. Satellite imagery released by Maxar, a space technology firm, illustrates the extensive damage inflicted upon buildings and infrastructure in this Indian Ocean territory.
In the capital city of Mamoudzou, the ferocity of the cyclone’s winds, which reached speeds exceeding 180 km/h with gusts nearing 250 km/h, resulted in severe structural failures for many buildings. While the northern industrial zones, characterized by robust construction, experienced comparatively less destruction, they still bore considerable damage. Notably, the marina along Route Nationale No. 2 was entirely obliterated by both the cyclone and subsequent flooding.
Petite-Terre, which encompasses the towns of Dzaoudzi and Pamandzi, was among the first areas affected and similarly suffered extensive destruction. The port of Dzaoudzi, a crucial infrastructure component, faced partial devastation of its quays. According to the French Interior Ministry, approximately 70% of Mayotte’s residents have sustained severe effects from the cyclone. Moreover, assessments by the European Copernicus program’s emergency services indicate that more than 19,000 buildings and 105 km of roads have either been damaged or destroyed due to the storm.
Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, devastating the island’s landscape and infrastructure. This extreme weather event prompted significant concerns over human casualties and the long-term implications for the population. Mayotte, a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean, has faced challenges in infrastructure resilience, which were laid bare by the cyclone’s destructive passage. The subsequent assessments by satellite imagery provide crucial data to understand the full impact of this natural disaster.
In summary, the aftermath of cyclone Chido has left Mayotte in a state of crisis, with extensive damage reported across various regions. The significant structural failures and the estimated impact on the population indicate a dire situation requiring urgent attention and recovery efforts. As assessments continue, the realization of the cyclone’s human toll remains a critical concern for both governmental and humanitarian responses.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
