Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: Damage Assessment and Human Impact
Tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2023, causing extensive damage and significant human impacts. With winds measured over 180 km/h, major infrastructure and buildings were severely affected in both Mamoudzou and Petite-Terre. Preliminary estimates suggest that up to 70% of the population may be seriously affected, with damage recorded to over 19,000 structures and extensive road destruction.
On December 14, 2023, Mayotte experienced a catastrophic impact from tropical cyclone Chido. Four days following the cyclone’s landfall, the French government has yet to ascertain the full extent of the human casualties, although preliminary assessments suggest that fatalities may number in the hundreds. Satellite imagery from Maxar, released through Agence France-Presse, indicates extensive destruction across the territory, with buildings and infrastructure heavily damaged throughout the region.
In Mamoudzou, the island’s capital, numerous structures were unable to withstand wind speeds exceeding 180 km/h, with gusts reaching as high as 250 km/h in northern areas. Whereas the industrial zones north of the capital, constructed with sturdier materials, did exhibit some resilience, they nonetheless sustained significant harm. The eastern coastline, particularly the marina along Route Nationale No. 2, was entirely devastated by the cyclone’s powerful winds and ensuing marine inundation.
The island of Petite-Terre, including the towns of Dzaoudzi and Pamandzi, faced severe damage as well. This eastern region was the first area directly impacted by the cyclone, with the port of Dzaoudzi suffering considerable losses, including partial destruction of its quays. The Interior Ministry currently reports that approximately 70% of Mayotte’s population has been severely affected by the cyclone, while the European Copernicus program’s emergency service estimates damage to over 19,000 buildings and 105 km of road infrastructure.
In recent years, Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, has faced the looming threat of severe tropical cyclones due to climatic changes and oceanic conditions. Cyclone Chido, striking the region in December 2023, follows a pattern of increasing cyclone intensity and frequency in the Indian Ocean area. The significance of this event extends beyond immediate damage; it poses risks to public health, economic stability, and infrastructure resilience within the territory. These developments have raised concerns among officials and aid organizations about the long-term implications for affected communities.
The impact of cyclone Chido on Mayotte has been profoundly devastating, with emerging satellite imagery revealing extensive destruction across numerous sectors. The loss of infrastructure, particularly to housing and transport, combined with the potential for significant human casualties, highlights the urgent need for assessment and response efforts. As the French government and aid organizations mobilize resources, it becomes crucial to address the immediate and long-term needs of the affected population to facilitate recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
