Cyclone Chido, one of the deadliest storms in nearly a century, has torn through Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory.
The cyclone’s fierce winds, reaching 140 mph, left destruction in its wake, devastating homes, infrastructure, and entire communities.
As of now, the confirmed death toll stands at 11, but authorities fear that the number could rise to hundreds, possibly thousands, in the coming days.
The region, already grappling with poverty and weak infrastructure, faces significant challenges in rescue operations. With airports damaged, electricity cut off, and clean drinking water in short supply, reaching those in need is a daunting task.
The prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville, expressed concerns that many residents might not be able to access vital aid, especially given the island’s large undocumented population, which makes accurate reporting difficult.
Local officials have confirmed widespread devastation. In Mamoudzou, the capital, many buildings, including hospitals and schools, have been destroyed.
The mayor described “apocalyptic scenes,” as citizens struggled to clear roads blocked by debris.
Aid pouring in as Mayotte struggles to recover from one of the deadliest cyclones.A significant portion of the population lives in makeshift shelters that were completely flattened during the storm.
As Mayotte begins to recover, France has deployed over 160 rescue personnel, alongside additional aid from Réunion, another nearby French territory.
Medical supplies and essential resources are being rushed to the islands, while efforts to restore power and water are underway.
International aid is also arriving, with countries like the EU pledging support for the disaster-stricken region.
This tragic event highlights the devastating impact of cyclones, which have been becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
The humanitarian crisis in Mayotte is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing the effects of climate disasters, especially in poorer nations that contribute little to the climate crisis but bear the brunt of its consequences.