The French territory of Mayotte is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, a devastating tropical storm that has wreaked havoc on the island’s infrastructure and left up to 1,000 people feared dead.
The island’s Prefect, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, described the cyclone as the worst to hit Mayotte in 90 years, saying, “I think there are several hundred dead, maybe close to a thousand… given the violence of this event.”
The cyclone, which struck on December 14, brought winds exceeding 136 mph, flattening entire neighborhoods, uprooting trees, and sinking boats in its path.
Communication lines have been severely disrupted, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the devastation.
So far, at least 11 fatalities have been confirmed, with nine people critically injured and 246 more treated for injuries at local hospitals.
Public infrastructure has also suffered catastrophic damage, including the island’s main hospital and airport, according to French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who was sworn in just one day before the cyclone struck.
Bayrou assured residents that 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers have been deployed to assist the population and prevent looting during the crisis.
The cyclone also impacted neighboring islands, including Comoros and Madagascar, but Mayotte bore the brunt of the destruction due to its position directly in the storm’s path.
As rescue efforts continue, officials warn that the death toll could rise significantly in the coming days.
The disaster serves as a grim reminder of the need for improved infrastructure and preparedness in cyclone-prone regions.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant as recovery efforts begin amidst the extensive damage to homes and communities.
