Cyclone Chido severely impacted Mayotte on December 14, with devastating winds damaging infrastructure and homes. Satellite images show extensive destruction, particularly in Mamoudzou, where high winds caused significant structural failures. The French government estimates that about 70% of the population has been seriously affected, with emergency services reporting more than 19,000 buildings and 105 km of roads damaged or destroyed.
On December 14, tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, leaving significant destruction in its wake. Four days after the cyclone, the French government is still working to assess the full extent of human casualties, with current estimates predicting potential fatalities in the hundreds. Satellite imagery from Maxar, a space technology firm, reveals extensive damage across the French overseas territory, particularly in the capital, Mamoudzou, where high winds exceeding 180 km/h caused widespread destruction to buildings and infrastructure.
Mayotte, a French overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean, faced catastrophic impacts from cyclone Chido. This weather event resulted in extreme wind speeds and marine submersion, significantly affecting both the main island of Grande-Terre and the adjacent island of Petite-Terre. The affected areas have reported that a substantial portion of residents—around 70%—have been seriously impacted by the disaster, with emergency services identifying over 19,000 damaged structures and the destruction of 105 km of roads.
In summary, cyclone Chido’s impact on Mayotte has been devastating, with infrastructure and community resources heavily damaged. The local authorities face challenges in assessing human casualties, and the situation remains precarious for the affected population. Efforts to provide assistance and recovery will be critical in the coming days as the territory begins to navigate the aftermath of this disaster.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
