Cyclone Chido Causes Devastation in Mayotte, Leaving Communities in Ruins
Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte on December 14, resulting in significant destruction, loss of life, and ongoing assessments of damage in the region. Many residents, particularly in informal settlements, have been affected, raising concerns over casualties and the need for urgent support.
Cyclone Chido has wreaked significant destruction across the archipelago of Mayotte, with devastating effects particularly felt in the Grande-Terre island region. On Saturday morning, December 14, the cyclone’s eye made landfall, leading to chaos and destruction. The mayor of Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, reported that two individuals lost their lives in the Kawéni shantytown when they were crushed by debris from their makeshift homes. Authorities are concerned that the actual number of casualties could be much higher.
François-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting the extent of damage inflicted on local neighborhoods. He stated, “Many Mahorais have lost everything,” as he announced the continuation of a red alert due to ongoing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Many areas were rendered uninhabitable, making it currently impossible to accurately assess the total number of injuries or fatalities. Mayor Soumaila described the destruction in Mamoudzou, indicating that shantytown structures were “swept away like crumbs.”
The region, recognized as France’s poorest department, houses a considerable number of its residents in tin huts, with such accommodations constituting approximately one-third of all housing units. Additionally, winds reaching speeds of over 220 kilometers per hour caused roofs to be torn off and windows shattered in more durable concrete homes. Countless trees were also uprooted, exacerbating the challenges faced by emergency services and obstructing critical transportation routes.
Cyclone Chido is a tropical cyclone that made landfall in Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, on December 14. Mayotte has a history of vulnerability to extreme weather events due to its geographical position. The region is characterized by a significant number of informal settlements, where many residents live in substandard housing—often in tin huts susceptible to severe weather. This cyclone has notably intensified the ongoing concerns regarding infrastructure resilience and the safety of its residents, especially amidst a backdrop of socio-economic challenges.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has inflicted extensive damage on Mayotte, displacing numerous residents and heightening fears of a higher death toll than currently reported. Local authorities continue to assess the impacts of the cyclone while managing the aftermath of heavy rainfall and strong winds, which have further complicated rescue and recovery efforts. The event underscores the pressing need for improved housing and disaster preparedness in one of France’s most economically challenged areas.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
