Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane as it nears Jamaica, signaling a major escalation in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. 

Jamaican authorities have issued urgent warnings and evacuation alerts as the National Hurricane Center forecasts further strengthening — potentially turning Melissa into one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit Jamaica in recent history.

Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Slams Toward Jamaica | Most Powerful Storm of 2025 

10,000 Homes Face Power Outage in France,  Seveso River Bursts Banks in Italy | WION Pulse

Floodwaters submerged cars and buildings in the south of France reached parts of western France. 



10,000 Homes Face Power Outage in France,  Seveso River Bursts Banks in Italy 

Eye witness Video Captured From A Car In Trieste, Italy Shows Streets Flooded After A Storm Hit The City. Video Showed People Wading Through The Inundated Streets Of The City.

Italy floods 2025: Trieste drowns After heavy storm 

Deadly monsoon rains are pounding Pakistan, submerging Karachi and unleashing flash floods across the northwest. With homes destroyed and lives at risk, officials warn the crisis is far from over as more storms loom in the forecast.

Pakistan’s deadliest monsoon in years

A wind storm swept across several countries in West Asia this week. From Dubai to Iraq, many braced for poor air quality and near-zero visibility.

Iraq storm: over 3,000 hospitalised

As communities in the central US grapple with widespread devastation from a line of deadly storms that spawned dozens of tornadoes this week, forecasters are warning of more grave threats to the region: additional severe thunderstorms and relentless rain with the potential to trigger “generational” flooding into the weekend.

Storm rages across central US, bringing torrential rain and flash flooding

Violent storms battering the central-eastern United States have killed at least 16 people, officials said, with the National Weather Service warning on Saturday of "severe" flash flooding in the coming days.
A line of fierce storms stretching from Arkansas to Ohio has damaged buildings, flooded roadways and produced dozens of tornadoes in recent days.
Tennessee was hardest hit by extreme weather, with state authorities saying on Saturday that 10 people had died across the western part of the state.
Two people were killed due to floods in Kentucky, according to state Governor Andy Beshear, including a child who was "swept away by floodwaters."
Photos shared on social and local media showed widespread damage from the storm across several states, with homes torn apart, toppled trees, downed power lines and overturned cars.
"Severe, widespread flash flooding is expected" into Sunday in parts of the central-eastern region, the National Weather Service (NWS) said, warning that "lives and property are in great danger."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hands-off-anti-trump-protests-what-led-to-hands-off-protests-across-us-protests-8931445">Anti-Trump demonstrations: What led to 'Hands Off!' protests across US?</a>
Two storm-related deaths were recorded in Missouri and one in Indiana, according to local media reports and authorities.
A five-year-old was found dead in a home in Little Rock, Arkansas "in connection to the ongoing severe weather," the state's emergency management agency said in a statement.
"Flooding has reached record levels in many communities," Kentucky's Governor Beshear wrote on social media Saturday, urging residents in the state to "avoid travel, and never drive through water."
More than 100,000 customers were without power in Arkansas and Tennessee as of early Sunday, according to tracking website PowerOutage.us.
The NWS on Saturday said that moderate to severe tornadoes could form in parts of the Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley on Sunday, along with "severe thunderstorms."
Scientists say global warming is disrupting climate patterns and the water cycle, making extreme weather more frequent and ferocious.
Last year set a record for high temperatures in the United States, with the country also pummeled by a barrage of tornadoes and destructive hurricanes.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Photos shared on social and local media showed widespread damage from the storm across several states, with homes torn apart, toppled trees, downed power lines and overturned cars.

Violent storms battering the central-eastern United States have killed at least 16 people, officials said, with the National Weather Service warning on Saturday of "severe" flash flooding in the coming days. A line of fierce storms stretching from Arkansas to Ohio has damaged buildings, flooded roadways and produced dozens of tornadoes in recent days. Tennessee was hardest hit by extreme weather, with state authorities saying on Saturday that 10 people had died across the western part of the state. Two people were killed due to floods in Kentucky, according to state Governor Andy Beshear, including a child who was "swept away by floodwaters." Photos shared on social and local media showed widespread damage from the storm across several states, with homes torn apart, toppled trees, downed power lines and overturned cars. "Severe, widespread flash flooding is expected" into Sunday in parts of the central-eastern region, the National Weather Service (NWS) said, warning that "lives and property are in great danger." Also read | Anti-Trump demonstrations: What led to 'Hands Off!' protests across US? Two storm-related deaths were recorded in Missouri and one in Indiana, according to local media reports and authorities. A five-year-old was found dead in a home in Little Rock, Arkansas "in connection to the ongoing severe weather," the state's emergency management agency said in a statement. "Flooding has reached record levels in many communities," Kentucky's Governor Beshear wrote on social media Saturday, urging residents in the state to "avoid travel, and never drive through water." More than 100,000 customers were without power in Arkansas and Tennessee as of early Sunday, according to tracking website PowerOutage.us. The NWS on Saturday said that moderate to severe tornadoes could form in parts of the Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley on Sunday, along with "severe thunderstorms." Scientists say global warming is disrupting climate patterns and the water cycle, making extreme weather more frequent and ferocious. Last year set a record for high temperatures in the United States, with the country also pummeled by a barrage of tornadoes and destructive hurricanes. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Death toll climbs to 16 following violent storms, 'severe' flooding in central-eastern US

Storms including tornadoes struck parts of the South and Midwest US, killing at least one person, knocking down power lines and trees, ripping roofs off homes, and shooting debris thousands of feet into the air. A tornado emergency was briefly issued in Northwest Arkansas, with the National Weather Service telling residents on social media, "This is a life-threatening situation, seek shelter now."

US: Life-threatening flash flooding expected amid severe storms

Central Spain is reeling from the aftermath of Storm Martinho, which brought intense rainfall and extreme flooding. The historic Roman Bridge in Talavera de la Reina partially collapsed as the Tagus River overflowed. Authorities are assessing the damage while residents brace for further impacts. Watch to know more!

Spain: Historic bridge collapse after intense rainfall due to storm Martinho

Powerful storms sweeping across the United States have resulted in tragic outcomes. The severe weather continues to advance eastward, prompting tornado alerts along the East Coast and heavy snowfall in the Midwest. Watch this report for more details!

Severe storms hit US, causing tornado warnings and blizzard conditions

Dangerously cold conditions will be impacting over 60 million Americans till the weekend, spanning a large swath of the US and setting the stage for widespread disruptions from a winter storm.

Temperature drop 50° F below average in US states

The death toll from powerful winter storms in the central and eastern United States has risen to at least 14. . .

This comes after floods, gale-force winds, and bitterly cold temperatures swept the region.

Arctic cold grips us amid deadly storms

Heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods across several regions in Peru, causing widespread damage and displacing residents. Emergency teams have been deployed to assist those affected as the country grapples with the aftermath of the floods. The intense weather has raised concerns over further rainfall and its impact on local infrastructure.

Peru's storm drain overflows, sweeping away trees

France placed swathes of Brittany in the west of the country on red weather alert Monday as a violent storm brought flood levels not seen in decades. Watch this report for more details!

France issues red alert as violent storm hits Brittany

Storm Eowyn hits the UK with 100mph winds, causing chaos across the country. Millions are advised to stay home, while hundreds of flights are canceled. This live update covers the storm's impact, safety tips, and how the UK is coping with the extreme weather conditions.

Storm Eowyn: Winds batter UK, flights canceled, millions told to stay home

Ireland and Scotland were on high alert for a violent storm set to hit them on Friday, with schools ordered to close and trains cancelled.
Forecasters warned wind speeds could top 130 kilometres (80 miles) an hour when Storm Eowyn hits from the Atlantic, with lashing rain and snow in places.
"It is going to be a damaging, dangerous, and destructive weather event," said the chair of Ireland's National Emergency Co-ordination Group, Keith Leonard.
He warned of power outages and told people to stay indoors.
Britain was placed on general alert, with UK-governed Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland under the top-level red warning.
A government spokesman said 4.5 million people in at-risk areas would receive telephone alerts.
Ireland's meteorological office also issued a red alert for the republic.
Jennifer Gilna from Ireland's National Transport Authority said public transport would not operate during the red alerts.
Authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland said trains and buses would be halted and schools closed.
Britain's environment agency warned of flooding in southern and central England over the coming days.
Scientists say climate change caused by humans burning fossil fuels is making storms more severe, super-charged by warmer oceans.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World: Brace for Storm Eowyn's fierce arrival from the Atlantic with winds potentially reaching km/h, bringing heavy rain and snow to affected areas.

Ireland and Scotland were on high alert for a violent storm set to hit them on Friday, with schools ordered to close and trains cancelled. Forecasters warned wind speeds could top 130 kilometres (80 miles) an hour when Storm Eowyn hits from the Atlantic, with lashing rain and snow in places. "It is going to be a damaging, dangerous, and destructive weather event," said the chair of Ireland's National Emergency Co-ordination Group, Keith Leonard. He warned of power outages and told people to stay indoors. Britain was placed on general alert, with UK-governed Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland under the top-level red warning. A government spokesman said 4.5 million people in at-risk areas would receive telephone alerts. Ireland's meteorological office also issued a red alert for the republic. Jennifer Gilna from Ireland's National Transport Authority said public transport would not operate during the red alerts. Authorities in Scotland and Northern Ireland said trains and buses would be halted and schools closed. Britain's environment agency warned of flooding in southern and central England over the coming days. Scientists say climate change caused by humans burning fossil fuels is making storms more severe, super-charged by warmer oceans. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Millions warned of imminent danger as Storm Eowyn set to batter UK

A major winter storm has swept across the United States, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures to multiple regions.

Central US battles severe wintry conditions

At least five people have died in a massive winter storm that has hit the United States. Storm Blair dumped heavy snow and brought freezing rain as it moved from the east to the center of the country. Watch in for more details!

Storm Blair Hits Americans With Bone-Chilling Cold

A major storm pounded California’s central coast, bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach, and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean.

Major Storm Pounds California’s Central Coast

Tens of thousands of homes in Bosnia and Herzegovina were left without electricity,---



Particularly in the northern part of the Balkan country, ---



After it was hit by heavy snow and strong winds...

Storm Expected to Intensify in Coming Days

Tens of thousands of homes in Bosnia and Herzegovina were left without electricity,--- Particularly in the northern part of the Balkan country, --- After it was hit by heavy snow and strong winds...

Rising losses from hurricanes, storms, and wildfires have forced major U.S. Insurers to retreat from high-risk states such as California, Florida, and Louisiana. This has opened the door for global players like Lloyd’s of London and Munich re to step in and cover homes that are hard to insure.

Cost Of Home Insurance Soars In Disaster-Prone U.S. States

Rising losses from hurricanes, storms, and wildfires have forced major U.S. Insurers to retreat from high-risk states such as California, Florida, and Louisiana. This has opened the door for global players like Lloyd’s of London and Munich re to step in and cover homes that are hard to insure.



Mayotte, France
Emergency workers sought survivors on Monday and struggled to restore services in Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory, where hundreds or even thousands are feared dead from the worst cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century.
Cyclone Chido devastated large parts of the archipelago off east Africa over the weekend with winds of more than 200 kph (124 mph), strewing homes over hillsides, and cutting phones, power and drinking water.
With areas still inaccessible, France's acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said on arrival in the disaster zone that it would take days to find the full extent of damage and deaths.
"The images are apocalyptic. It's a disaster, there's nothing left," an intensive care nurse named Oceane at the main hospital in the capital Mamoudzou told BFM TV.
Teacher Hamada Ali told Reuters that streets were covered in mud and trees, people were sheltering in schools and bottled water was being used for cooking.
"I saw someone injured by a sheet of metal ... Houses with sheet metal roofs were swept away by the cyclone. There are precarious dwellings of which we cannot see the slightest trace," he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/definitely-several-hundred-killed-after-cyclone-chido-wreaks-havoc-in-mayotte-784223">'Definitely several hundred' killed after Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in Mayotte</a>
Residents queued outside grocery stores in search of water and other basics.
Communications were down in large parts of the territory, leaving relatives outside desperately enquiring on social media. "I need an update from Chiconi please, my brother, my sister-in-law and my niece are there and I'm without any news since Saturday," said one.
French President Emmanuel Macron was to hold an emergency meeting about Mayotte later on Monday. Acting health minister Genevieve Darrieussecq said Mamoudzou's main hospital was maintaining operations after floodwaters had been cleared while a field clinic would be set up and 100 additional medics deployed.
More than three-quarters of Mayotte's 321,000 people live in relative poverty. According to 2021 figures from statistics agency INSEE, Mayotte has an annual median disposable income of just over 3,000 euros ($3,150) per inhabitant, roughly eight times less than the Ile-de-France region around Paris.
<h2>Biggest storm in 90 years</h2>
The islands, close to the Comoros archipelago, first came under France's control in 1841. Mayotte is made up of two main islands over an area about twice the size of Washington DC.
It has been grappling with unrest in recent years, with many residents angry at undocumented immigration and inflation.
The territory has become a stronghold for the far-right National Rally with 60% voting for Marine Le Pen in the 2022 presidential election runoff.
Chido was the strongest storm to strike Mayotte in more than 90 years, French weather service Meteo France said.
Extreme weather events have become more common around the globe, in keeping with global warming. Poorer nations often say they are bearing the brunt of the environmental crisis despite historically emitting far less CO2 than richer countries.
"It was evident that ... when a cyclone hit ... we would find ourselves in a situation," leftwing lawmaker Eric Coquerel told French broadcaster LCI, saying the destruction in Mayotte laid bare a failure to prepare for the impact of climate change.
Around the territory, hundreds of makeshift houses were smashed and scattered, according to images from local media and the French gendarmerie. Coconut trees crashed through building roofs, boats were upended, rubble covered cars and people cowered under tables when the cyclone hit.
"I was screaming because I could see the end coming for me," John Balloz, who lives in the capital Mamoudzou, told Reuters.
After Mayotte, Chido made landfall in north Mozambique where it quickly weakened and was reclassified as a tropical storm on Sunday but still destroyed several houses, authorities said.
The prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, said at the weekend that deaths would definitely be in the hundreds and possibly several thousand.
Maritime and aerial operations were underway to transport relief supplies and equipment, including from Reunion Island, another French overseas territory, French authorities said.
Mayotte's main airport, however, remained closed to civilian flights on Monday morning, said Jean-Paul Bosland, the president of France's national firefighters' federation.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Cyclone Chido devastated large parts of the archipelago off east Africa over the weekend with winds of more than 200 kph (124 mph), strewing homes over hillsides, and cutting phones, power and drinking water



Mayotte, France Emergency workers sought survivors on Monday and struggled to restore services in Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory, where hundreds or even thousands are feared dead from the worst cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century. Cyclone Chido devastated large parts of the archipelago off east Africa over the weekend with winds of more than 200 kph (124 mph), strewing homes over hillsides, and cutting phones, power and drinking water. With areas still inaccessible, France's acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said on arrival in the disaster zone that it would take days to find the full extent of damage and deaths. "The images are apocalyptic. It's a disaster, there's nothing left," an intensive care nurse named Oceane at the main hospital in the capital Mamoudzou told BFM TV. Teacher Hamada Ali told Reuters that streets were covered in mud and trees, people were sheltering in schools and bottled water was being used for cooking. "I saw someone injured by a sheet of metal ... Houses with sheet metal roofs were swept away by the cyclone. There are precarious dwellings of which we cannot see the slightest trace," he added. Also read | 'Definitely several hundred' killed after Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in Mayotte Residents queued outside grocery stores in search of water and other basics. Communications were down in large parts of the territory, leaving relatives outside desperately enquiring on social media. "I need an update from Chiconi please, my brother, my sister-in-law and my niece are there and I'm without any news since Saturday," said one. French President Emmanuel Macron was to hold an emergency meeting about Mayotte later on Monday. Acting health minister Genevieve Darrieussecq said Mamoudzou's main hospital was maintaining operations after floodwaters had been cleared while a field clinic would be set up and 100 additional medics deployed. More than three-quarters of Mayotte's 321,000 people live in relative poverty. According to 2021 figures from statistics agency INSEE, Mayotte has an annual median disposable income of just over 3,000 euros ($3,150) per inhabitant, roughly eight times less than the Ile-de-France region around Paris. Biggest storm in 90 years The islands, close to the Comoros archipelago, first came under France's control in 1841. Mayotte is made up of two main islands over an area about twice the size of Washington DC. It has been grappling with unrest in recent years, with many residents angry at undocumented immigration and inflation. The territory has become a stronghold for the far-right National Rally with 60% voting for Marine Le Pen in the 2022 presidential election runoff. Chido was the strongest storm to strike Mayotte in more than 90 years, French weather service Meteo France said. Extreme weather events have become more common around the globe, in keeping with global warming. Poorer nations often say they are bearing the brunt of the environmental crisis despite historically emitting far less CO2 than richer countries. "It was evident that ... when a cyclone hit ... we would find ourselves in a situation," leftwing lawmaker Eric Coquerel told French broadcaster LCI, saying the destruction in Mayotte laid bare a failure to prepare for the impact of climate change. Around the territory, hundreds of makeshift houses were smashed and scattered, according to images from local media and the French gendarmerie. Coconut trees crashed through building roofs, boats were upended, rubble covered cars and people cowered under tables when the cyclone hit. "I was screaming because I could see the end coming for me," John Balloz, who lives in the capital Mamoudzou, told Reuters. After Mayotte, Chido made landfall in north Mozambique where it quickly weakened and was reclassified as a tropical storm on Sunday but still destroyed several houses, authorities said. The prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, said at the weekend that deaths would definitely be in the hundreds and possibly several thousand. Maritime and aerial operations were underway to transport relief supplies and equipment, including from Reunion Island, another French overseas territory, French authorities said. Mayotte's main airport, however, remained closed to civilian flights on Monday morning, said Jean-Paul Bosland, the president of France's national firefighters' federation. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Cyclone Chido: Thousands feared dead after worst cyclone in 90 years hits Mayotte

A powerful sandstorm has struck Baghdad, drastically reducing visibility and leading to the cancellation of several flights. The storm, originating from Iran, has caused significant disruptions in air travel and daily activities across the Iraqi capital. With the thick haze covering the city, authorities are advising caution and urging residents to stay indoors. The sandstorm is a reminder of the harsh weather conditions that frequently affect the region, impacting both transportation and public safety.



Iran: Heavy Sandstorm Covers Baghdad, Flights Cancelled Due To Low Visibility

Emergency workers sought survivors on Monday and struggled to restore services in Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory, where hundreds or even thousands are feared dead from the worst cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century.

Cyclone Chido devastated large parts of the archipelago off east Africa over the weekend with winds of more than 200 kph (124 mph), strewing homes over hillsides, and cutting phones, power and drinking water.

With areas still inaccessible, France's acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said on arrival in the disaster zone that it would take days to find the full extent of damage and deaths.

"The images are apocalyptic. It's a disaster, there's nothing left," an intensive care nurse named Oceane at the main hospital in the capital Mamoudzou told BFM TV.

Teacher Hamada Ali told Reuters that streets were covered in mud and trees, people were sheltering in schools and bottled water was being used for cooking.

"I saw someone injured by a sheet of metal ... Houses with sheet metal roofs were swept away by the cyclone. There are precarious dwellings of which we cannot see the slightest trace," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/definitely-several-hundred-killed-after-cyclone-chido-wreaks-havoc-in-mayotte-784223">'Definitely several hundred' killed after Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in Mayotte</a>

Residents queued outside grocery stores in search of water and other basics.

Communications were down in large parts of the territory, leaving relatives outside desperately enquiring on social media. "I need an update from Chiconi please, my brother, my sister-in-law and my niece are there and I'm without any news since Saturday," said one.

French President Emmanuel Macron was to hold an emergency meeting about Mayotte later on Monday. Acting health minister Genevieve Darrieussecq said Mamoudzou's main hospital was maintaining operations after floodwaters had been cleared while a field clinic would be set up and 100 additional medics deployed.

More than three-quarters of Mayotte's 321,000 people live in relative poverty. According to 2021 figures from statistics agency INSEE, Mayotte has an annual median disposable income of just over 3,000 euros ($3,150) per inhabitant, roughly eight times less than the Ile-de-France region around Paris.

<h2>Biggest storm in 90 years</h2>

The islands, close to the Comoros archipelago, first came under France's control in 1841. Mayotte is made up of two main islands over an area about twice the size of Washington DC.

It has been grappling with unrest in recent years, with many residents angry at undocumented immigration and inflation.

The territory has become a stronghold for the far-right National Rally with 60% voting for Marine Le Pen in the 2022 presidential election runoff.

Chido was the strongest storm to strike Mayotte in more than 90 years, French weather service Meteo France said.

Extreme weather events have become more common around the globe, in keeping with global warming. Poorer nations often say they are bearing the brunt of the environmental crisis despite historically emitting far less CO2 than richer countries.

"It was evident that ... when a cyclone hit ... we would find ourselves in a situation," leftwing lawmaker Eric Coquerel told French broadcaster LCI, saying the destruction in Mayotte laid bare a failure to prepare for the impact of climate change.

Around the territory, hundreds of makeshift houses were smashed and scattered, according to images from local media and the French gendarmerie. Coconut trees crashed through building roofs, boats were upended, rubble covered cars and people cowered under tables when the cyclone hit.

"I was screaming because I could see the end coming for me," John Balloz, who lives in the capital Mamoudzou, told Reuters.

After Mayotte, Chido made landfall in north Mozambique where it quickly weakened and was reclassified as a tropical storm on Sunday but still destroyed several houses, authorities said.

The prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, said at the weekend that deaths would definitely be in the hundreds and possibly several thousand.

Maritime and aerial operations were underway to transport relief supplies and equipment, including from Reunion Island, another French overseas territory, French authorities said.

Mayotte's main airport, however, remained closed to civilian flights on Monday morning, said Jean-Paul Bosland, the president of France's national firefighters' federation.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Emergency workers sought survivors on Monday and struggled to restore services in Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory, where hundreds or even thousands are feared dead from the worst cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century.

Emergency workers sought survivors on Monday and struggled to restore services in Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory, where hundreds or even thousands are feared dead from the worst cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century. Cyclone Chido devastated large parts of the archipelago off east Africa over the weekend with winds of more than 200 kph (124 mph), strewing homes over hillsides, and cutting phones, power and drinking water. With areas still inaccessible, France's acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said on arrival in the disaster zone that it would take days to find the full extent of damage and deaths. "The images are apocalyptic. It's a disaster, there's nothing left," an intensive care nurse named Oceane at the main hospital in the capital Mamoudzou told BFM TV. Teacher Hamada Ali told Reuters that streets were covered in mud and trees, people were sheltering in schools and bottled water was being used for cooking. "I saw someone injured by a sheet of metal ... Houses with sheet metal roofs were swept away by the cyclone. There are precarious dwellings of which we cannot see the slightest trace," he added. Also read | 'Definitely several hundred' killed after Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in Mayotte Residents queued outside grocery stores in search of water and other basics. Communications were down in large parts of the territory, leaving relatives outside desperately enquiring on social media. "I need an update from Chiconi please, my brother, my sister-in-law and my niece are there and I'm without any news since Saturday," said one. French President Emmanuel Macron was to hold an emergency meeting about Mayotte later on Monday. Acting health minister Genevieve Darrieussecq said Mamoudzou's main hospital was maintaining operations after floodwaters had been cleared while a field clinic would be set up and 100 additional medics deployed. More than three-quarters of Mayotte's 321,000 people live in relative poverty. According to 2021 figures from statistics agency INSEE, Mayotte has an annual median disposable income of just over 3,000 euros ($3,150) per inhabitant, roughly eight times less than the Ile-de-France region around Paris. Biggest storm in 90 years The islands, close to the Comoros archipelago, first came under France's control in 1841. Mayotte is made up of two main islands over an area about twice the size of Washington DC. It has been grappling with unrest in recent years, with many residents angry at undocumented immigration and inflation. The territory has become a stronghold for the far-right National Rally with 60% voting for Marine Le Pen in the 2022 presidential election runoff. Chido was the strongest storm to strike Mayotte in more than 90 years, French weather service Meteo France said. Extreme weather events have become more common around the globe, in keeping with global warming. Poorer nations often say they are bearing the brunt of the environmental crisis despite historically emitting far less CO2 than richer countries. "It was evident that ... when a cyclone hit ... we would find ourselves in a situation," leftwing lawmaker Eric Coquerel told French broadcaster LCI, saying the destruction in Mayotte laid bare a failure to prepare for the impact of climate change. Around the territory, hundreds of makeshift houses were smashed and scattered, according to images from local media and the French gendarmerie. Coconut trees crashed through building roofs, boats were upended, rubble covered cars and people cowered under tables when the cyclone hit. "I was screaming because I could see the end coming for me," John Balloz, who lives in the capital Mamoudzou, told Reuters. After Mayotte, Chido made landfall in north Mozambique where it quickly weakened and was reclassified as a tropical storm on Sunday but still destroyed several houses, authorities said. The prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, said at the weekend that deaths would definitely be in the hundreds and possibly several thousand. Maritime and aerial operations were underway to transport relief supplies and equipment, including from Reunion Island, another French overseas territory, French authorities said. Mayotte's main airport, however, remained closed to civilian flights on Monday morning, said Jean-Paul Bosland, the president of France's national firefighters' federation. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A powerful sandstorm has struck Baghdad, drastically reducing visibility and leading to the cancellation of several flights. The storm, originating from Iran, has caused significant disruptions in air travel and daily activities across the Iraqi capital. With the thick haze covering the city, authorities are advising caution and urging residents to stay indoors. The sandstorm is a reminder of the harsh weather conditions that frequently affect the region, impacting both transportation and public safety.

Saint-Denis de la Reunion, France
Local authorities said Sunday that the likely death toll from Cyclone Chido's passage across Mayotte was "definitely several hundred" though the disruption means reaching an exact count will be difficult.
Rescue workers and supplies are being rushed in by air and sea, but their efforts are likely to be hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution in a territory where even clean drinking water was already subject to chronic shortages.
A previous toll shared with AFP by a security source had confirmed only 14 deaths.
"I think there will definitely be several hundred, perhaps we will come close to a thousand or even several thousand" deaths, prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville said on broadcaster Mayotte la Premiere.
He added that it would be "very difficult to reach a final count" given that most residents are Muslim, traditionally burying their dead within 24 hours.
The mayor of Mayotte's capital, Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, had earlier told AFP that nine people were gravely wounded and fighting for their lives in hospital, while 246 more were seriously injured.
"The hospital is hit, the schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated," he said, adding that the hurricane "spared nothing".
Mayotte's 320,000 residents had been ordered into lockdown Saturday as cyclone Chido bore down on the islands around 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of Mozambique with gusts of at least 226 kilometres per hour.
Electricity poles were hurled to the ground, trees uprooted and sheet-metal roofs and walls torn off improvised structures inhabited by at least one-third of the population.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oil-tanker-splits-in-half-spilling-thousands-of-tonnes-of-oil-into-kerch-strait-784177">Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait</a>
Information from the locked-down population, in shock and largely cut off from water and electricity supplies, is slow to filter out, a source familiar with the recovery effort told AFP.
One local resident, Ibrahim, told AFP of "apocalyptic scenes" as he made his way through the main island, having to clear blocked roads for himself.
<h2>Scramble for supplies</h2>
Interior Minister Retailleau will travel to Mayotte on Monday, his office said, alongside 160 soldiers and firefighters to reinforce the 110 already deployed to the islands.
Medical personnel and equipment were being delivered from Sunday by air and sea, said the prefecture in La Reunion, another French Indian Ocean territory some 1,400 kilometres away on the other side of Madagascar.
A first aid plane landed in Mayotte at around 3:30 pm local time (1230 GMT) with three tonnes of medical supplies, blood for transfusions, and 17 medical staff, authorities in La Reunion said, with two military aircraft expected to follow.
A navy patrol ship was also to depart La Reunion with personnel and equipment, including for electricity supplier EDF.
Pope Francis, visiting French Mediterranean island Corsica on Sunday, urged people to pray for Mayotte's residents.
<h2>Storm hits Mozambique</h2>
Just northwest of Mayotte, the Comoros islands, some of which had been on red alert since Friday, were also hit but suffered only minor damage.
Cyclone Chido later slammed into Mozambique, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain when it made landfall early Sunday around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the northern city of Pemba, weather services said.
Buildings were damaged and power knocked out in some areas of Mozambique's northern coastal provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado early Saturday, authorities said.
But by the afternoon, Chido was travelling over the inland province of Niassa and had weakened, said the president of the National Institute for Risk and Disaster Management, Luisa Meque.
UNICEF said it was on the ground to help the people impacted by the storm, which had already caused some damage.
"Many homes, schools, and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed, and we are working closely with the government to ensure continuity of essential basic services," it said in a statement.
Cyclone Chido is the latest in a string of storms worldwide to be fuelled by climate change, according to experts.
The "exceptional" cyclone was super-charged by particularly warm Indian Ocean waters, meteorologist Francois Gourand of France's Meteo France weather service told AFP.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday it was similar in strength to cyclones Gombe in 2022 and Freddy in 2023, which killed more than 60 people and at least 86 in Mozambique respectively.
It warned that some 1.7 million people were in danger, and said the remnants of the cyclone could also dump "significant rainfall" on neighbouring Malawi through Monday, potentially triggering flash floods.
Zimbabwe and Zambia were also expected to see heavy rains, it added.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rescue workers and supplies are being rushed in by air and sea, but their efforts are likely to be hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution in a territory where even clean drinking water was already subject to chronic shortages



Saint-Denis de la Reunion, France Local authorities said Sunday that the likely death toll from Cyclone Chido's passage across Mayotte was "definitely several hundred" though the disruption means reaching an exact count will be difficult. Rescue workers and supplies are being rushed in by air and sea, but their efforts are likely to be hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution in a territory where even clean drinking water was already subject to chronic shortages. A previous toll shared with AFP by a security source had confirmed only 14 deaths. "I think there will definitely be several hundred, perhaps we will come close to a thousand or even several thousand" deaths, prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville said on broadcaster Mayotte la Premiere. He added that it would be "very difficult to reach a final count" given that most residents are Muslim, traditionally burying their dead within 24 hours. The mayor of Mayotte's capital, Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, had earlier told AFP that nine people were gravely wounded and fighting for their lives in hospital, while 246 more were seriously injured. "The hospital is hit, the schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated," he said, adding that the hurricane "spared nothing". Mayotte's 320,000 residents had been ordered into lockdown Saturday as cyclone Chido bore down on the islands around 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of Mozambique with gusts of at least 226 kilometres per hour. Electricity poles were hurled to the ground, trees uprooted and sheet-metal roofs and walls torn off improvised structures inhabited by at least one-third of the population. Also read | Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait Information from the locked-down population, in shock and largely cut off from water and electricity supplies, is slow to filter out, a source familiar with the recovery effort told AFP. One local resident, Ibrahim, told AFP of "apocalyptic scenes" as he made his way through the main island, having to clear blocked roads for himself. Scramble for supplies Interior Minister Retailleau will travel to Mayotte on Monday, his office said, alongside 160 soldiers and firefighters to reinforce the 110 already deployed to the islands. Medical personnel and equipment were being delivered from Sunday by air and sea, said the prefecture in La Reunion, another French Indian Ocean territory some 1,400 kilometres away on the other side of Madagascar. A first aid plane landed in Mayotte at around 3:30 pm local time (1230 GMT) with three tonnes of medical supplies, blood for transfusions, and 17 medical staff, authorities in La Reunion said, with two military aircraft expected to follow. A navy patrol ship was also to depart La Reunion with personnel and equipment, including for electricity supplier EDF. Pope Francis, visiting French Mediterranean island Corsica on Sunday, urged people to pray for Mayotte's residents. Storm hits Mozambique Just northwest of Mayotte, the Comoros islands, some of which had been on red alert since Friday, were also hit but suffered only minor damage. Cyclone Chido later slammed into Mozambique, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain when it made landfall early Sunday around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the northern city of Pemba, weather services said. Buildings were damaged and power knocked out in some areas of Mozambique's northern coastal provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado early Saturday, authorities said. But by the afternoon, Chido was travelling over the inland province of Niassa and had weakened, said the president of the National Institute for Risk and Disaster Management, Luisa Meque. UNICEF said it was on the ground to help the people impacted by the storm, which had already caused some damage. "Many homes, schools, and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed, and we are working closely with the government to ensure continuity of essential basic services," it said in a statement. Cyclone Chido is the latest in a string of storms worldwide to be fuelled by climate change, according to experts. The "exceptional" cyclone was super-charged by particularly warm Indian Ocean waters, meteorologist Francois Gourand of France's Meteo France weather service told AFP. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday it was similar in strength to cyclones Gombe in 2022 and Freddy in 2023, which killed more than 60 people and at least 86 in Mozambique respectively. It warned that some 1.7 million people were in danger, and said the remnants of the cyclone could also dump "significant rainfall" on neighbouring Malawi through Monday, potentially triggering flash floods. Zimbabwe and Zambia were also expected to see heavy rains, it added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Definitely several hundred' killed after Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in Mayotte

Local authorities said Sunday that the likely death toll from Cyclone Chido's passage across Mayotte was "definitely several hundred" though the disruption means reaching an exact count will be difficult.

Rescue workers and supplies are being rushed in by air and sea, but their efforts are likely to be hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution in a territory where even clean drinking water was already subject to chronic shortages.

A previous toll shared with AFP by a security source had confirmed only 14 deaths.

"I think there will definitely be several hundred, perhaps we will come close to a thousand or even several thousand" deaths, prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville said on broadcaster Mayotte la Premiere.

He added that it would be "very difficult to reach a final count" given that most residents are Muslim, traditionally burying their dead within 24 hours.

The mayor of Mayotte's capital, Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, had earlier told AFP that nine people were gravely wounded and fighting for their lives in hospital, while 246 more were seriously injured.

"The hospital is hit, the schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated," he said, adding that the hurricane "spared nothing".

Mayotte's 320,000 residents had been ordered into lockdown Saturday as cyclone Chido bore down on the islands around 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of Mozambique with gusts of at least 226 kilometres per hour.

Electricity poles were hurled to the ground, trees uprooted and sheet-metal roofs and walls torn off improvised structures inhabited by at least one-third of the population.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oil-tanker-splits-in-half-spilling-thousands-of-tonnes-of-oil-into-kerch-strait-784177">Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait</a>

Information from the locked-down population, in shock and largely cut off from water and electricity supplies, is slow to filter out, a source familiar with the recovery effort told AFP.

One local resident, Ibrahim, told AFP of "apocalyptic scenes" as he made his way through the main island, having to clear blocked roads for himself.

<h2>Scramble for supplies</h2>

Interior Minister Retailleau will travel to Mayotte on Monday, his office said, alongside 160 soldiers and firefighters to reinforce the 110 already deployed to the islands.

Medical personnel and equipment were being delivered from Sunday by air and sea, said the prefecture in La Reunion, another French Indian Ocean territory some 1,400 kilometres away on the other side of Madagascar.

A first aid plane landed in Mayotte at around 3:30 pm local time (1230 GMT) with three tonnes of medical supplies, blood for transfusions, and 17 medical staff, authorities in La Reunion said, with two military aircraft expected to follow.

A navy patrol ship was also to depart La Reunion with personnel and equipment, including for electricity supplier EDF.

Pope Francis, visiting French Mediterranean island Corsica on Sunday, urged people to pray for Mayotte's residents.

<h2>Storm hits Mozambique</h2>

Just northwest of Mayotte, the Comoros islands, some of which had been on red alert since Friday, were also hit but suffered only minor damage.

Cyclone Chido later slammed into Mozambique, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain when it made landfall early Sunday around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the northern city of Pemba, weather services said.

Buildings were damaged and power knocked out in some areas of Mozambique's northern coastal provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado early Saturday, authorities said.

But by the afternoon, Chido was travelling over the inland province of Niassa and had weakened, said the president of the National Institute for Risk and Disaster Management, Luisa Meque.

UNICEF said it was on the ground to help the people impacted by the storm, which had already caused some damage.

"Many homes, schools, and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed, and we are working closely with the government to ensure continuity of essential basic services," it said in a statement.

Cyclone Chido is the latest in a string of storms worldwide to be fuelled by climate change, according to experts.

The "exceptional" cyclone was super-charged by particularly warm Indian Ocean waters, meteorologist Francois Gourand of France's Meteo France weather service told AFP.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday it was similar in strength to cyclones Gombe in 2022 and Freddy in 2023, which killed more than 60 people and at least 86 in Mozambique respectively.

It warned that some 1.7 million people were in danger, and said the remnants of the cyclone could also dump "significant rainfall" on neighbouring Malawi through Monday, potentially triggering flash floods.

Zimbabwe and Zambia were also expected to see heavy rains, it added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Local authorities said Sunday that the likely death toll from Cyclone Chido's passage across Mayotte was "definitely several hundred" though the disruption means reaching an exact count will be difficult.

Local authorities said Sunday that the likely death toll from Cyclone Chido's passage across Mayotte was "definitely several hundred" though the disruption means reaching an exact count will be difficult. Rescue workers and supplies are being rushed in by air and sea, but their efforts are likely to be hindered by damage to airports and electricity distribution in a territory where even clean drinking water was already subject to chronic shortages. A previous toll shared with AFP by a security source had confirmed only 14 deaths. "I think there will definitely be several hundred, perhaps we will come close to a thousand or even several thousand" deaths, prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville said on broadcaster Mayotte la Premiere. He added that it would be "very difficult to reach a final count" given that most residents are Muslim, traditionally burying their dead within 24 hours. The mayor of Mayotte's capital, Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, had earlier told AFP that nine people were gravely wounded and fighting for their lives in hospital, while 246 more were seriously injured. "The hospital is hit, the schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated," he said, adding that the hurricane "spared nothing". Mayotte's 320,000 residents had been ordered into lockdown Saturday as cyclone Chido bore down on the islands around 500 kilometres (310 miles) east of Mozambique with gusts of at least 226 kilometres per hour. Electricity poles were hurled to the ground, trees uprooted and sheet-metal roofs and walls torn off improvised structures inhabited by at least one-third of the population. Also read | Russian oil tanker splits in half, spilling thousands of tonnes of oil into Kerch Strait Information from the locked-down population, in shock and largely cut off from water and electricity supplies, is slow to filter out, a source familiar with the recovery effort told AFP. One local resident, Ibrahim, told AFP of "apocalyptic scenes" as he made his way through the main island, having to clear blocked roads for himself. Scramble for supplies Interior Minister Retailleau will travel to Mayotte on Monday, his office said, alongside 160 soldiers and firefighters to reinforce the 110 already deployed to the islands. Medical personnel and equipment were being delivered from Sunday by air and sea, said the prefecture in La Reunion, another French Indian Ocean territory some 1,400 kilometres away on the other side of Madagascar. A first aid plane landed in Mayotte at around 3:30 pm local time (1230 GMT) with three tonnes of medical supplies, blood for transfusions, and 17 medical staff, authorities in La Reunion said, with two military aircraft expected to follow. A navy patrol ship was also to depart La Reunion with personnel and equipment, including for electricity supplier EDF. Pope Francis, visiting French Mediterranean island Corsica on Sunday, urged people to pray for Mayotte's residents. Storm hits Mozambique Just northwest of Mayotte, the Comoros islands, some of which had been on red alert since Friday, were also hit but suffered only minor damage. Cyclone Chido later slammed into Mozambique, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain when it made landfall early Sunday around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the northern city of Pemba, weather services said. Buildings were damaged and power knocked out in some areas of Mozambique's northern coastal provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado early Saturday, authorities said. But by the afternoon, Chido was travelling over the inland province of Niassa and had weakened, said the president of the National Institute for Risk and Disaster Management, Luisa Meque. UNICEF said it was on the ground to help the people impacted by the storm, which had already caused some damage. "Many homes, schools, and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed, and we are working closely with the government to ensure continuity of essential basic services," it said in a statement. Cyclone Chido is the latest in a string of storms worldwide to be fuelled by climate change, according to experts. The "exceptional" cyclone was super-charged by particularly warm Indian Ocean waters, meteorologist Francois Gourand of France's Meteo France weather service told AFP. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Friday it was similar in strength to cyclones Gombe in 2022 and Freddy in 2023, which killed more than 60 people and at least 86 in Mozambique respectively. It warned that some 1.7 million people were in danger, and said the remnants of the cyclone could also dump "significant rainfall" on neighbouring Malawi through Monday, potentially triggering flash floods. Zimbabwe and Zambia were also expected to see heavy rains, it added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A man died and hundreds of thousands of people in Britain and Ireland were left without power Saturday as high winds and heavy rain battered the region. Watch for more details!

One Dead As Storm Darragh Batters UK & Ireland

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