Cyclone Chido Causes Widespread Destruction in Mayotte and Surrounding Islands

Cyclone Chido has resulted in at least 11 fatalities in Mayotte, with extensive damage reported due to winds surpassing 220 km/h. The neighboring islands of Comoros and Madagascar were also affected, facing airport closures and severe flooding, respectively. Authorities anticipate that the death toll may rise as assessments continue.

Cyclone Chido has severely affected the archipelago of Mayotte, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 11 lives, as reported by the French interior ministry. The cyclone, which produced wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h, caused significant destruction by tearing metal roofs from buildings and demolishing numerous small structures across Mayotte. The local authorities have cautioned that the death toll may still increase given the extent of the damages and the injuries sustained by dozens of individuals in the aftermath.

In addition to the human toll, a witness reported extensive internet outages that left residents unable to reach out to emergency services or authorities for assistance. According to the prefect of Mayotte, this cyclone is deemed the most catastrophic to strike the region in nearly a century. Although the most severe impacts were felt in Mayotte, the neighboring islands of Comoros and Madagascar also experienced effects from Cyclone Chido.

Prior to the cyclone’s landfall on Saturday, authorities in the Comoros made the proactive decision to close airports and schools to ensure the safety of the public. Concurrently, Madagascar reported significant flooding caused by the storm, highlighting the widespread nature of the cyclone’s impact in the region.

Cyclones are intense tropical storms characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, often resulting in catastrophic damages to affected areas, particularly island territories. The recent Cyclone Chido demonstrates the vulnerable nature of such regions, exemplified by Mayotte, a French territorial collectivity located in the Indian Ocean. As global climate patterns continue to shift, the frequency and severity of cyclones are expected to increase, posing ongoing challenges for disaster preparedness and response in these areas.

In summary, Cyclone Chido has left a devastating mark on Mayotte, claiming lives and causing extensive property damage. The storm’s forceful winds and secondary effects, such as flooding in Madagascar and disrupted services in Comoros, have underscored the significant threat that cyclones pose to island communities. As recovery efforts begin, the focus remains on providing assistance to those most affected and on evaluating the long-term impacts of such natural disasters.

Original Source: newscentral.africa