Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte with At Least 11 Fatalities

Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 11 lives and caused extensive damage in Mayotte, with fears that the toll may rise. Rescue operations are hampered by difficulties in assessing injuries, as nine individuals are reported in critical condition. This cyclone is noted as the worst in 90 years for the territory.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Cyclone Chido has resulted in at least 11 fatalities in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, as reported by France’s Interior Ministry on Sunday. Rescue teams are encountering challenges in obtaining an accurate count of the dead and injured, leading to concerns that the death toll may rise further. Reports indicate that at least nine individuals are in critical condition, while 246 others have sustained injuries.

The tropical cyclone made its way through the southeastern Indian Ocean and affected the neighboring islands of Comoros and Madagascar. However, Mayotte was directly impacted by Chido, with officials describing the damage as substantial and unprecedented, labeling it the worst cyclone to strike the territory in 90 years. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau acknowledged during an emergency meeting that there are grave fears regarding the potential increase in the death toll in Mayotte.

Cyclone Chido’s arrival has brought widespread devastation to Mayotte, prompting urgent assessments of the situation. Being situated in the path of the cyclone, Mayotte faced extraordinary winds and flooding, which have severely impacted infrastructure and residents’ safety. This cyclone serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of island territories to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, where recovery efforts may be hindered due to geographic isolation.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc across Mayotte, leading to significant loss of life and injury amid ongoing recovery efforts. The French government’s immediate response illustrates the seriousness of the crisis, although exact figures regarding the casualties remain uncertain. The incident not only reflects the challenges faced by tropical territories but also highlights the pressing need for enhanced disaster preparedness in the face of climate-related challenges.

Original Source: everythinggp.com