Comoros has declared a week of mourning after Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte, causing a death toll anticipated to be in the hundreds, particularly within informal settlements. The cyclone is the worst in 90 years, prompting urgent aid from France as the island faces significant humanitarian challenges, including loss of infrastructure, water shortages, and hunger, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
The Comoros has declared a week of national mourning following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido on the nearby island of Mayotte, where authorities estimate that hundreds have perished, primarily in impoverished neighborhoods heavily populated by individuals from Comoros. President Azali Assoumani announced that the mourning period will extend until Sunday, highlighting the immense loss of life and the extensive destruction of infrastructure resulting from the storm, which produced winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour.
Mayotte, previously a part of the Comoros archipelago but governed by France following referendums in the 1970s, was struck by the cyclone, which is being labeled the worst in 90 years. Based on 2017 statistics, approximately half of the official population of 320,000 is composed of overseas residents, with 95 percent being Comoran. Many undocumented migrants inhabit the island, and their numbers are believed to range from 100,000 to 200,000 due to irregular immigration patterns.
Officials report that almost all informal settlements on Mayotte have been obliterated, prompting fears of a significant death toll. Following the storm’s devastation, France mobilized military resources to deliver much-needed aid and rescue operations. The communication networks and electricity supply have been disrupted, resulting in a dire shortage of drinking water, while conditions in shelters have exacerbated hunger, particularly affecting vulnerable children.
The cyclone’s devastating impact has led to a tragic humanitarian crisis in Mayotte, which faces challenges in accurately accounting for the fatalities due to swift burial customs in the Muslim community. This complicates rescue efforts as many of the victims might have only been temporarily residing on the island and could remain uncounted. The primary hospital has sustained substantial harm, further stressing the urgent need for assistance. Rescue teams and supplies from France and its overseas territories are en route to alleviate the dire situation on the island.
Cyclone Chido’s unprecedented winds and consequential destruction have overwhelmed the island of Mayotte, leading to widespread fatalities and uprooted communities. Following a separate period of national mourning in Comoros, the complexities of migration and the dire socio-economic situation, particularly in impoverished shantytowns, have come to the forefront. The cyclone’s timing and intensity have raised critical concerns regarding public health and safety, especially for undocumented immigrants who are often inaccessible to relief efforts. The historical link between Comoros and Mayotte adds depth to understanding the ongoing challenges faced by the communities affected by the cyclone’s devastation.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left Mayotte grappling with a humanitarian crisis, as the estimated death toll remains alarmingly high amid significant infrastructural damage. The challenges of irregular migration compounded by the cyclone’s impact further complicate aid efforts. France’s mobilization of resources highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive response to alleviate the suffering of those affected, particularly the vulnerable populations residing in makeshift housing.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
