Comoros Declares Week of Mourning Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation
The Comoros has declared a week of national mourning due to Cyclone Chido’s devastating effects, particularly in Mayotte, where extensive damages and fatalities are reported. President Azali Assoumani announced the mourning period, highlighting the tragedy’s impact on the region’s vulnerable population.
The Comoros has declared a national week of mourning following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, a category 4 storm, which severely affected the nearby French overseas territory of Mayotte. President Azali Assoumani announced that the mourning period will last until Sunday, as the islands mourn the loss of lives and the extensive damage incurred to infrastructure. With reports anticipating hundreds of fatalities, particularly in shantytowns that accommodate many Comoran expatriates, the nation is grappling with the aftermath of this calamity.
The Comoros is an archipelago located on the Indian Ocean, in close proximity to Mayotte, which chose to align itself with France during two referendums in the 1970s. The recent Cyclone Chido, classified as the most severe storm to impact Mayotte in the last 90 years, resulted in wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour. The geographical and historical ties between Comoros and Mayotte, where many Comoran nationals reside, have intensified concerns regarding the impact of the cyclone, notably in informal settlements where many inhabitants are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.
In light of the extensive destruction wrought by Cyclone Chido, the Comoros has chosen to observe a week of national mourning, reflecting the deep ties between the two territories affected. The announcement by President Azali Assoumani underscores the gravity of the situation as the nation comes to terms with the loss of life and the significant challenges posed to rebuilding efforts. The international community is alerted to the humanitarian crises developing in the aftermath of this disaster.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
