Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2024, causing at least 21 fatalities, injuring over 830 individuals, and leaving many homeless. The cyclone’s intensity led to widespread destruction, raising fears of an escalating death toll. Emergency response efforts are underway to assist the over 100,000 displaced residents as officials assess the situation.
Tropical Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to affect Mayotte in nearly a century, struck the island on December 14, 2024. This devastating cyclone has resulted in at least 21 confirmed fatalities, with more than 830 individuals injured, and left approximately one-third of Mayotte’s 320,000 residents homeless. As the disaster recovery efforts progress, authorities fear that the death toll could rise significantly, possibly reaching hundreds or even in the thousands as more details of the devastation emerge.
The cyclone, categorized equivalently to a strong category 4 storm, unleashed winds between 180 and 230 km/h (112 to 143 mph), wreaking havoc across the island. Damage assessments reveal widespread destruction, with downed power lines, roofs torn from homes, and uprooted trees. In the aftermath, over 100,000 residents have been evacuated to emergency shelters, while approximately 15,000 households are facing power outages.
Local dignitaries have reported scenes of catastrophic destruction. Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq indicated that the casualty figures could be significantly underestimated, given the scale of the cyclone’s impact on infrastructure. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville noted the grim projection of potential death tolls, stating, “Maybe we will reach a thousand or even several thousand.”
Aerial surveys captured the devastation across the island, revealing extensive damage to makeshift housing. Furthermore, the island’s hospital has sustained serious water damage, crippling essential medical services. “The hospital has suffered major water damage and destruction, particularly in surgical and emergency departments,” Minister Darrieussecq remarked.
Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, lamented the extensive destruction, stating, “The hospital is hit, the schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated. The cyclone has spared nothing.” Ibrahim, a local resident, described the aftermath as “apocalyptic” and emphasized that even large companies have faced significant damage.
As assistance efforts commence, Minister Retailleau has arrived in Mayotte with military personnel and supplies to aid recovery operations. A first aid aircraft has already delivered essential medical supplies and personnel. However, the full extent of the cyclone’s devastation remains uncertain as rescue operations continue.
Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, faced an unprecedented natural disaster when Tropical Cyclone Chido struck on December 14, 2024. This event marked a significant meteorological event as Chido represented the strongest storm to hit the island in the last 90 years. The cyclone’s peak intensity brought tremendous winds and heavy rainfall, leading to extensive destruction and displacement of residents. The regional government and humanitarian organizations are now tasked with managing the immediate aftermath and coordinating recovery efforts amidst widespread devastation.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Mayotte, with widespread loss of life, injuries, and homelessness impacting a significant portion of the population. As authorities continue to assess the damage and provide emergency assistance, projections indicate that the death toll could rise dramatically. The response from government officials and humanitarian teams will be vital in addressing the urgent needs of the affected population and rebuilding the island’s infrastructure.
Original Source: watchers.news
