Comoros Declares National Mourning in Response to Cyclone Chido’s Devastation
The Comoros declared a national week of mourning following Cyclone Chido’s devastation, particularly affecting nearby Mayotte, with fears of several hundred casualties. President Azali Assoumani announced the mourning period amidst reports of significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. Cyclone Chido, characterized by winds over 220 kilometers per hour, is the worst storm to impact Mayotte in 90 years, leaving many in precarious housing conditions vulnerable.
The Comoros has announced a week of national mourning in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, a category 4 storm that impacted both the archipelago and the nearby French overseas department of Mayotte. This declaration was made by President Azali Assoumani following reports of substantial loss of life and severe infrastructural damage across the affected areas. Tragically, it is feared that several hundred people, particularly from the Comoran population living in shantytowns, may have perished due to the cyclone’s ferocity.
The cyclone wrought winds exceeding 220 kilometers (137 miles) per hour, affecting a sister island that has historically maintained its French ties. Approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) separate Mayotte and Comoros, resulting in deeply interconnected demographics. Many residents of Comoros travel clandestinely to the French territory, where a significant proportion of the population is of Comoran descent. Given that Cyclone Chido is regarded as the most severe in 90 years, the lasting repercussions on both islands underscore the calamity of this natural disaster, particularly for those living in precarious conditions.
The Comoros, an Indian Ocean archipelago located near Mayotte, is comprised of several islands. Cyclones are not uncommon in this region, yet the intensity of Cyclone Chido, classified as a category four storm, is unprecedented in recent history. Mayotte, having opted to remain a French territory following referendums in the 1970s, is home to a significant number of Comorans, many of whom face dire living conditions. The proximity between the two territories complicates the humanitarian crisis caused by the cyclone, as many Comorans rely on Mayotte for better economic opportunities and resources, which are now severely impacted.
The national mourning declared by the Comoros reflects the profound impact of Cyclone Chido on the islands’ communities. President Azali Assoumani’s decision underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian needs of those affected, particularly in the wake of reports indicating potential mass casualties. The catastrophic winds and destruction experienced in Mayotte have reverberated across the archipelago, leaving many families to grieve profound losses. The situation remains critical as recovery efforts begin amidst widespread devastation.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
