Devastating Impact of Cyclone Chido Leaves 11 Dead in Mayotte

Cyclone Chido has resulted in at least 11 deaths in Mayotte, with many injured as the storm causes severe damage. Reports indicate it is the worst cyclone in 90 years for the territory, and the cyclone has now impacted Mozambique, threatening millions more.

At least 11 fatalities have been reported in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, as a result of the destruction wrought by Cyclone Chido. France’s Interior Ministry disclosed the grim statistics on Sunday, indicating that rescue efforts are ongoing amid fears that the final death toll may rise. The local hospital reported nine individuals in critical condition, while a total of 246 have suffered injuries due to the cyclone’s passage.

Cyclone Chido, categorized as a tropical cyclone, severely impacted Mayotte and other regions, including Comoros and Madagascar, during its advance through the southeastern Indian Ocean. Officials characterized the cyclone as the most significant to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, with extensive devastation occurring on Saturday. The prefect of Mayotte conveyed serious concerns regarding the widespread damage caused by the storm.

Currently, Cyclone Chido has reached the mainland of Mozambique, where emergency services are preparing for the effects on an estimated 2.5 million individuals across two northern provinces. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the cyclone continues its trajectory across the region.

Cyclone Chido has been described as a severe weather event affecting the southwestern Indian Ocean area, notably the French territory of Mayotte. The cyclone’s path has also traversed regions such as Comoros and Madagascar, causing significant distress. Mayotte’s experience with Chido marks a historical event, being labeled the worst cyclone to impact the territory in the last 90 years, thus highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather phenomena due to climate change. In addition, the aftermath poses serious risks of humanitarian crises in its wake, further complicating rescue and relief operations in already vulnerable regions.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has unleashed devastation upon Mayotte, resulting in at least 11 confirmed fatalities and many injuries. The unprecedented scale of the damage and the cyclone’s continued movement into new territories, such as Mozambique, raises significant concerns for the safety and welfare of millions. The situation calls for urgent humanitarian assistance and comprehensive support in the regions afflicted by this natural disaster.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com