Eleven Lives Lost as Cyclone Chido Devastates French Territory of Mayotte
Cyclone Chido has caused at least 11 deaths and extensive damage in Mayotte, with ongoing assessments revealing injured individuals. Critical medical conditions have arisen, and the cyclone has also impacted parts of Comoros and Madagascar before moving to Mozambique, where millions could be affected.
At least 11 individuals have lost their lives due to the catastrophe unleashed by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, according to the French Interior Ministry’s report released on Sunday. The ministry highlighted the challenges in acquiring an accurate count of casualties and injuries, noting that the death toll could potentially rise. In local medical facilities, nine individuals are reported to be in critical condition, while a total of 246 have sustained various injuries. The cyclone, which traversed the southeastern Indian Ocean, has wreaked havoc not only in Mayotte but also on nearby regions including Comoros and Madagascar. Authorities in Mayotte indicated that the cyclone has inflicted the most severe damage the territory has witnessed in nine decades. Currently, Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, prompting emergency services to warn that approximately 2.5 million residents in the northern provinces could be affected.
Mayotte, an island located between Madagascar and the Mozambique mainland, is increasingly vulnerable to devastating storms due to its geographical location in the Indian Ocean. Cyclone Chido represents one of the most significant weather events to impact the region in many years, posing substantial risks to both the population and local infrastructure. The cyclone’s trajectory has raised concerns in neighboring Tunisia and across the Indian Ocean, necessitating a coordinated response from both local and international authorities to mitigate damage and ensure public safety.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has resulted in significant loss of life and injury in Mayotte, marking it as one of the worst cyclones to hit the region in nearly a century. The immediate aftermath has led to urgent medical responses and raised concerns about further impacts as the cyclone moves into Mozambique, where millions may be affected. As the situation develops, local officials are working diligently to assess the full extent of the damage and address the needs of those afflicted.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
