Comoros has declared a week of national mourning after Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, leading to significant loss of life and extensive damage. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of many undocumented residents. Rescue and relief efforts are underway, with urgent needs for food and water amid fears of rising hunger and homelessness.
On Monday, President Azali Assoumani of Comoros announced a week of national mourning following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, which primarily affected neighboring Mayotte. The cyclone has caused extraordinary damage and claimed numerous lives in Mayotte, particularly in shantytowns that house many Comorans. Wind speeds exceeded 220 kilometers per hour, representing the most destructive cyclone the region has faced in nearly a century. The situation is dire, with significant infrastructure loss, disrupted communications, and growing concerns regarding food and clean water shortages.
French military resources have been deployed to provide assistance, including naval and aerial support to deliver supplies and rescue personnel to the impacted areas. Reports indicate that the overwhelming number of victims may never be accurately recorded due to the customary practices of the predominantly Muslim community, where burials occur within 24 hours. Many undocumented individuals residing in Mayotte are particularly vulnerable and have been difficult to account for following the calamity.
The cyclone’s aftermath reveals that approximately 300,000 people reside in Mayotte, amid ongoing issues with irregular immigration. The local authorities believe that between 100,000 and 200,000 people may be living in the region without proper documentation, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, officials such as Senator Salama Ramia emphasize the urgent need for immediate aid, criticizing the lack of resources in shelters and the rising concerns regarding malnutrition among the vulnerable populations, particularly children.
The French government is currently mobilizing resources from Reunion Island and other territories to expedite the delivery of essential supplies to assist the local population. The destruction and loss of life highlight the ongoing challenges of both natural disasters and migration complexities in this region.
Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, a French territory that has faced severe weather occurrences, particularly during cyclone seasons. It has become a focal point of both humanitarian and political challenges, as native Comorans living in Mayotte often experience the burdens associated with their irregular status. Past referendums kept Mayotte under French administration, despite the empowerment of independence in the surrounding Comorian islands, leading to unique demographic and societal dynamics that exacerbate the vulnerability of specific populations during calamities.
The declaration of a week of mourning in Comoros highlights the profound impact of Cyclone Chido as it devastates Mayotte, raising substantial concerns about loss of life and urgent humanitarian needs. With the community in significant distress and civil authorities mobilizing resources, the interdependence of Mayotte and Comoros becomes evident in aftermath scenarios. The dire situation emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive support and recovery initiatives to address both immediate needs and long-term challenges posed by natural disasters in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
