Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Leaving Hundreds Dead and Infrastructure Crippled
Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in Mayotte, resulting in a death toll that could approach 1,000. The cyclone, classified as a category 4 storm, has left the island in dire need of humanitarian aid, with infrastructure severely damaged. As it moves towards Mozambique, concerns about further loss of life and the risk of disease outbreaks have prompted international aid efforts.
On May 7, Cyclone Chido ravaged the French territory of Mayotte, resulting in an estimated death toll of several hundred, with officials cautioning that it may rise close to 1,000. François-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, stated, “I think there are some several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand”. The cyclone, classified as a category 4 storm with winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph), struck the islands on Saturday causing significant destruction. A local prefect described the cyclone as the worst in 90 years, leading to extensive damage to public infrastructure, including hospitals and airports.
Following the cyclone’s landfall, French authorities deployed more than 1,600 officers to assist with relief efforts amid fears of looting. Rescue teams from France and Reunion have been sent to support local efforts, while military aircraft are delivering urgent supplies. French President Emmanuel Macron is actively monitoring the situation, and Pope Francis has extended prayers for the victims.
As Chido moved towards Mozambique, disaster agencies warned that up to 2.5 million people could be at risk from further impact, with reports of severe destruction in Cabo Delgado province. The United Nations Children’s Fund indicated that many educational and health facilities have been compromised, necessitating urgent assistance for affected communities. The cyclone season, which lasts from December through March, has seen an increase in severity, with concerns rising over subsequent waterborne diseases due to stagnant waters left in the wake of such storms.
Cyclone Chido is a recent example of the severe tropical cyclones affecting the Southeast Indian Ocean and southern Africa, a region that has been increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. The impact of climate change is contributing to the growing intensity and frequency of these storms, placing significant strain on already impoverished regions like Mayotte. With a population of about 300,000, Mayotte is known as the poorest territory in the European Union, making disaster response and recovery more complex. Previous cyclones in the region, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019 and Cyclone Freddy last year, resulted in tragic loss of life and significant humanitarian crises, further underscoring the need for global action on climate change and enhanced support for affected nations.
The devastation inflicted by Cyclone Chido on Mayotte underscores the critical and escalating challenges faced by vulnerable regions in the wake of extreme weather events. With hundreds of lives lost and vital infrastructure severely damaged, immediate aid is imperative. The ongoing threat posed by subsequent cyclones raises alarms not only for Mayotte but for other countries like Mozambique, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address the impacts of climate change and provide necessary assistance to affected populations.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
