Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in the French territory of Mayotte, with local officials estimating the death toll could reach “several hundred” and potentially climb into the thousands.
Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville shared this grim assessment with a local broadcaster on Sunday, highlighting the cyclone’s catastrophic impact on the island.
A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding
In the wake of the cyclone, France has mobilized rescue teams and supplies to assist the impoverished territory in the Indian Ocean, which has suffered extensive damage.
“I believe there are several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand. Even thousands… given the violence of this event,” Bieuville stated, noting that this storm is the worst to hit Mayotte in nearly 90 years.
The prefect emphasized the challenges in determining an accurate count of fatalities and injuries as the island grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which struck on Saturday.
The storm caused significant damage to public infrastructure, including the airport, flattened entire neighbourhoods, and left many residents without electricity.
The French Interior Ministry reported at least 11 confirmed deaths and over 250 injuries, but these numbers are expected to rise dramatically as rescue efforts continue.
The Impact on Mayotte’s Vulnerable Population
Mayotte, known as France’s poorest overseas territory and the least affluent region in the European Union, has a population of just over 300,000 people spread across two main islands.
Bieuville noted that the most severe destruction occurred in slum areas characterized by makeshift metal shacks and informal structures.
He remarked, “This figure is not plausible when you see the images of the slums,” suggesting that the human toll is likely much higher than officially reported.
Cyclone Chido’s Path of Destruction
Cyclone Chido made landfall with winds exceeding 220 km/h (136 mph), classifying it as a Category 4 cyclone, which is among the most powerful storms on record.
After causing devastation in Mayotte, Chido also affected nearby islands such as Comoros and Madagascar, before moving toward mainland Africa.
As it continued its path toward Mozambique, authorities warned that over 2 million people could be impacted by flooding and strong winds.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity with the people of Mayotte, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is scheduled to visit the island to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts.
Emergency Response Efforts
In response to the disaster, France has dispatched rescue workers and supplies from both mainland France and nearby Réunion Island.
Military aircraft are being utilized to deliver aid due to damage sustained by Mayotte’s airport control tower.
Authorities aim to establish an air and sea bridge from Réunion to facilitate ongoing relief efforts.
Patrice Latron, prefect of Réunion, indicated that approximately 800 additional rescuers will be sent in the coming days, along with over 80 tons of supplies already delivered or en route by ship.
Key priorities include restoring electricity and ensuring access to clean drinking water for affected residents.
The French Interior Ministry has deployed 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers to assist residents and prevent potential looting amid widespread chaos.
Reports from various areas indicate that entire neighbourhoods have been flattened, with uprooted trees and overturned boats further complicating recovery efforts.
Broader Implications for Southern Africa
As Cyclone Chido continues its trajectory eastward into northern Mozambique, countries like Malawi and Zimbabwe are also preparing for potential flooding and evacuations due to heavy rains associated with this storm system.
The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean runs from December through March, raising concerns about future storms exacerbating humanitarian crises in already vulnerable regions.
With climate change contributing to increasingly severe weather events, communities across southern Africa are calling for greater support from wealthier nations to address these challenges.
The devastating impact of Cyclone Chido serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies in affected areas.
Source: africannews
