Tropical Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Thousands Feared Dead
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, resulting in at least 21 deaths and over 830 injuries. The cyclone has left one-third of the population homeless, and officials fear the death toll may rise to several hundred or thousands. With extensive damage to hospitals and essential infrastructure, emergency response efforts are ongoing to address the crisis.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has wrought unprecedented devastation on the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, marking the most ferocious storm to strike the island in nearly a century on December 14, 2024. With wind speeds ranging from 180 to 230 km/h (112 to 143 mph), the cyclone has resulted in at least 21 confirmed fatalities and left over 830 individuals injured. Authorities fear that the actual death toll may escalate significantly, potentially numbering in the hundreds or thousands as recovery efforts continue and the extent of the destruction is assessed.
Over one-third of Mayotte’s approximately 320,000 residents have been rendered homeless, and emergency measures have been enacted, including the relocation of around 100,000 individuals to 70 emergency centers. Additionally, heavy damage to the island’s medical facilities has left local hospitals non-operational, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The French government’s representative in Mayotte, Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, has expressed concern regarding the loss of life, estimating that “we will definitely have several hundred deaths. Maybe we will reach a thousand or even several thousand.”
The true scale of the destruction became evident on December 15, as aerial footage revealed extensive damage across the island, particularly to makeshift housing and essential infrastructure. Power outages affected approximately 15,000 individuals, and local government officials have emphasized the critical situation, urging continued disaster response efforts. Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq reported significant water damage to hospitals, stating, “The hospital has suffered major water damage and destruction, notably in the surgical, intensive care, maternity, and emergency units.”
Victims have described the aftermath as “apocalyptic,” reflecting the widespread devastation felt throughout Mayotte as communities attempt to begin recovery. On December 16, Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau visited the region, accompanied by military personnel and emergency responders to assist with ongoing recovery operations. Two military aircraft are expected to deliver additional medical supplies and support to the overwhelmed health services.
As recovery efforts ramp up, officials anticipate that the full extent of Tropical Cyclone Chido’s impact will continue to unfold, reinforcing the urgent need for international assistance and resources to aid this beleaguered community.
Tropical Cyclone Chido, categorized as a category 4-equivalent cyclone, struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024. This natural disaster represents the most powerful storm the island has experienced in nearly a century, prompting widespread humanitarian crises. With significant wind speed and extensive property damage, it has led to mass displacement and serious injuries among the residents. Authorities have raised alarms regarding the potential fatalities due to ongoing assessments of the devastation.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has left Mayotte grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis as authorities contend with a high death toll, extensive injuries, and a significant displacement of people. The destruction of critical infrastructure, particularly healthcare services, poses additional challenges to recovery efforts. Continued support and resources will be crucial in aiding the recovery of the island’s devastated communities.
Original Source: watchers.news