Cyclone Chido has caused at least 11 fatalities and numerous injuries in Mayotte, with concerns that the toll may rise. Wind speeds exceeded 220 km/h, causing significant damage. The cyclone also affected the neighboring islands of Comoros and Madagascar, prompting airport and school closures. Authorities are focused on recovery amid widespread internet outages.
Cyclone Chido has tragically resulted in the loss of at least 11 lives, as reported by France’s interior ministry, with officials from Mayotte raising concerns that this number may increase. With wind speeds surpassing 220 kilometers per hour, the cyclone inflicted severe damage, uprooting metal roofs and demolishing several small structures across Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. Many individuals have sustained injuries in the cyclone’s aftermath, and widespread internet outages have hindered residents’ ability to connect with emergency services.
The prefect of Mayotte characterized Cyclone Chido as the most catastrophic event to affect the archipelago in nearly a century. Though Mayotte endured the fiercest impact, the surrounding islands of the Comoros and Madagascar also experienced repercussions. In the Comoros, officials proactively closed airports and schools prior to the arrival of the cyclone on Saturday. Concurrently, Madagascar is facing significant flooding caused by the storm, complicating recovery efforts in the region.
Cyclones in the Indian Ocean are common, particularly during the cyclone season, which typically runs from November to April. These severe weather events can cause immense devastation, particularly in island nations or territories with vulnerable infrastructure. The recent Cyclone Chido exemplifies this threat, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience in preventing loss of life and property. Mayotte, being part of France, draws additional attention due to its connection to European relief efforts.
In conclusion, Cyclone Chido has had a profoundly detrimental impact on the lives of countless individuals in Mayotte, leading to fatalities and extensive property damage. The cyclone’s effects have also extended to neighboring Comoros and Madagascar, illustrating the widespread nature of such natural disasters. As recovery efforts continue, the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response strategies will be critical in mitigating similar tragedies in the future.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
