Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc in Mayotte with winds of 140 mph, leaving hundreds dead and causing widespread destruction. Learn about the rescue efforts and global impact.
Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: Hundreds Feared Dead in French Archipelago
Cyclone Chido, the most catastrophic cyclone to strike the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte in 90 years, has left a trail of destruction and devastation. With winds reaching 140 mph, the Category 4 cyclone has caused widespread damage, flattening neighborhoods, destroying infrastructure, and leaving hundreds, possibly thousands, dead.
As of now, France's Interior Ministry has confirmed at least 11 fatalities and over 250 injuries. However, local officials warn the death toll is expected to rise dramatically in the coming days as recovery efforts continue.
Mayotte's Worst Cyclone Since 1934
Cyclone Chido swept through Mayotte on Saturday, prompting Meteo-France to issue a "cyclonic red alert," signaling imminent danger. During the peak of the storm, the government activated a rare "purple alert," placing the entire population on lockdown, including emergency services.
Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville described the cyclone as unprecedented in its severity, saying, "We believe the death toll may reach several hundred or even thousands." He added that slums and informal settlements bore the brunt of the damage, with entire neighborhoods flattened and countless residents unaccounted for.
Catastrophic Damage
Photos from the affected areas reveal the extent of the destruction. Debris from homes, schools, and hospitals is scattered across Mayotte. Large sheets of twisted metal from roofs litter the streets, while toppled trees and sunken boats highlight the cyclone's force.
Meteo-France confirmed that winds of 140 mph accompanied by torrential rain caused widespread flooding and landslides, further compounding the disaster. Mayotte's airport sustained heavy damage, restricting relief operations to military aircraft.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
The French government has mobilized extensive rescue and recovery efforts. Over 110 firefighters and rescuers were initially dispatched to Mayotte, with an additional 800 personnel expected to arrive in the coming days. Supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, are being transported via military aircraft and ships.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to the people of Mayotte, pledging full government support. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced plans to establish an air and sea bridge from the nearby French territory of Reunion to Mayotte to accelerate relief operations.
The French Interior Ministry has deployed 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers to assist residents and prevent potential looting in the devastated areas.
Global Impact of Cyclone Chido
Cyclone Chido's destruction was not confined to Mayotte. The storm also impacted nearby islands, including Comoros and Madagascar, before making landfall in northern Mozambique. Authorities in Mozambique have raised concerns for over 2 million people potentially affected by flooding and landslides.
UNICEF has reported extensive damage in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province, with schools, homes, and health facilities partially or completely destroyed. The risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera and malaria, looms as stagnant water pools remain.
