Cyclone Chido Causes Widespread Destruction in Mayotte

Cyclone Chido inflicted severe damage in Mayotte, particularly in Grande-Terre, causing at least two fatalities and the destruction of entire neighborhoods. Local authorities are on high alert due to ongoing adverse weather, complicating damage assessments.

Cyclone Chido has caused extensive devastation in Mayotte, particularly affecting the island of Grande-Terre, where the cyclone made landfall early on December 14. Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila reported that at least two individuals succumbed to injuries caused by collapsing furniture in their makeshift homes, yet local officials express concern that the casualty figures may be considerably higher. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville emphasized in a press release that numerous residents have been severely impacted and declared, “Entire neighborhoods were destroyed.”

In Mamoudzou, the situation is dire as neighborhoods consisting of shantytowns were heavily affected, with reports indicating that such habitats “were swept away like crumbs,” as described by the town’s mayor. In Mayotte, where a significant portion of the population resides in tin huts, severe wind gusts exceeding 220 km/h have caused substantial damage, demolishing roofs, shattering windows in more robust structures, and uprooting numerous trees which have obstructed traffic routes. The local authorities remain on red alert due to ongoing rainfall and high winds, complicating damage assessment and rescue operations.

Mayotte, France’s poorest overseas department, is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including tropical cyclones. With a significant percentage of its population living in substandard housing conditions such as tin huts, the consequences of severe weather events can be catastrophic. Cyclone Chido’s landfall underlines the precarious living conditions in Mayotte and the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness to mitigate such human tragedies in the future.

The repercussions of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte reveal the devastating effects of natural disasters in regions characterized by inadequate housing and infrastructure. As local officials work to assess the full extent of the damage and the human toll, the overarching need for improvements in safety and resilience against such calamities is starkly highlighted. The community must rally together for recovery efforts while advocating for better conditions to ensure safety for its residents.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr