Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage in Mayotte, prompting a red alert. Thousands are without power, and emergency services are fully mobilized. The Prime Minister and President have assured support for the affected population as assessments of the damage begin.
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, resulting in catastrophic damage as reported by Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville. The alert level has been adjusted from the highest violet to red; however, Bieuville emphasizes that the cyclone’s impact continues. Many residents have been severely affected, with numerous households losing their homes due to the cyclone considered the most destructive the region has experienced in ninety years.
Following the cyclone, emergency services have been fully mobilized, with 110 civil security officials and firefighters already deployed to assist, and an additional 140 personnel expected to arrive imminently. The French Ministry of the Interior has initiated damage assessments of critical infrastructure while implementing measures to maintain public order and prevent looting. Currently, there are no confirmed reports of human or material casualties as the situation remains fluid.
The weather authority Météo France recorded maximum wind speeds of 226 kilometers per hour, posing significant challenges for communication and emergency response. Over 15,000 households reportedly experienced power outages, and there was widespread disruption to mobile phone services, hampering efforts to reach the island’s residents. The main airport has been closed, and road traffic has been restricted to ensure public safety.
French leadership, including Prime Minister François Bayrou and President Emmanuel Macron, has affirmed their commitment to monitoring developments closely and providing necessary support. President Macron expressed solidarity, stating, “Mahorais, the whole country is at your side. The situation is urgent. We will be there today and tomorrow,” indicating a strong governmental response to the crisis.
Cyclone Chido has significantly impacted Mayotte, a French overseas region known for its tropical climate and vulnerability to extreme weather events. Cyclones pose a seasonal threat to the area, yet the current cyclone’s severity is noted as unprecedented in nearly a century. This disaster emphasizes the need for robust emergency response mechanisms and highlights the region’s challenges regarding infrastructure resilience in extreme weather conditions.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has caused widespread devastation in Mayotte, triggering significant emergency responses from both local and national authorities. Key infrastructure has been impacted, with thousands left without power and essential services disrupted. Government officials have mobilized resources to address the crisis, assuring the affected population of their support. The situation remains critical, underscoring the importance of effective disaster preparedness and community resilience amidst natural calamities.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
