Cyclone Chido devastates France's Mayotte: Death toll could reach thousands
Cyclone Chido devastates France's Mayotte: Death toll could reach thousands
Cyclone Chido, the most devastating storm in nearly a century, has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory. The death toll is feared to be in the hundreds and may rise to thousands, according to the island's top government official.
The cyclone, with winds reaching 226 km/h, caused widespread destruction on Saturday (Dec 14), uprooting trees, destroying homes and crippling essential infrastructure.
Hospitals and schools damaged
The mayor of Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, described the situation as "devastating," with nine people critically injured and 246 suffering serious injuries.
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Hospitals, schools and informal settlements have been severely damaged, leaving many residents without shelter or access to basic services.
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Shantytowns, which housed a large portion of Mayotte's population, were flattened.
Many undocumented residents fear seeking help due to concerns over deportation.
Emergency response underway amid challenges
France is ramping up rescue operations by deploying additional soldiers, firefighters and medical personnel to Mayotte.
Supplies, including medical equipment and blood for transfusions, are being sent from nearby Reunion Island. However, the rescue efforts are hampered by damaged airports and power outages.
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Global assistance and concerns for neighbouring nations
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed readiness to assist, while the regional Red Cross organisation, PIROI, has mobilised resources.
Cyclone Chido has also affected Mozambique, causing three deaths and prompting UNICEF to provide assistance.
The United Nations warned that 1.7 million people in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia could face flooding due to the storm's aftermath.
Lockdown and relief efforts
Mayotte's 320,000 residents were ordered into lockdown ahead of the cyclone, which has left the territory grappling with extensive damage.
Emergency supplies and personnel continued to arrive by air and sea, as authorities work to restore essential services and provide relief to the island's vulnerable population.
(With inputs from agencies)