PARIS/MORONI – The recent cyclone, Cyclone Chido, which struck the French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, has resulted in catastrophic damage, with local officials estimating that several hundred, and possibly thousands, of lives may have been lost. Francois-Xavier Bieuville, a senior official on the island, expressed grave concerns over the situation, stating on Mayotte La 1ere that the death toll could reach between several hundreds to potentially thousands.
As authorities grapple with the aftermath, the French interior ministry indicated that determining an accurate death count would be challenging at this stage. Cyclone Chido made landfall with winds exceeding 200 kph (124 mph), causing extensive destruction to residential areas, government buildings, and a hospital. Meteorologists have noted that this cyclone is the most powerful storm to strike the islands in over 90 years.
Local resident Mohamed Ishmael poignantly described the devastation, comparing the aftermath to that of a nuclear war, highlighting the complete destruction of neighborhoods in the capital, Mamoudzou. Aerial footage from the French gendarmerie revealed the destruction of many makeshift houses scattered across the hills of Mayotte, which has been a significant point of migration from nearby Comoros.
In summary, Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mayotte has been devastating, with fears of a high death toll and widespread destruction to infrastructure.
While the situation is dire, there is hope that with international support and aid efforts, the island community can begin a process of recovery, rebuilding their homes, infrastructure, and lives in the face of this tragic natural disaster.
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