Comoros has declared a week of national mourning following Cyclone Chido’s devastation in Mayotte, where authorities fear hundreds of casualties in shantytowns. The cyclone, classified as category four, has caused immense damage and left many without essential resources. Rescue efforts are being mobilized through French military support, while the death toll could potentially remain unrecorded due to rapid burial customs.
MORONI, Comoros — Following the devastation brought by Cyclone Chido, which primarily affected the nearby island of Mayotte, the Comoros government has declared a week of national mourning. President Azali Assoumani announced that this period of mourning will extend until Sunday, paying tribute to the lives lost and acknowledging the considerable infrastructure damage endured on the islands. Initial assessments suggest that the cyclone has resulted in several hundred deaths, particularly in impoverished shantytowns predominantly inhabited by Comorans.
Cyclone Chido made landfall on Mayotte with wind speeds surpassing 220 kilometers per hour on Saturday, marking the most severe storm to impact the island in nearly a century. The population of Mayotte is heavily intertwined with the Comoros, characterized by significant migration patterns, where many residents originate from the Comoran archipelago. The cyclone has left critical infrastructure in ruins, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities in the region, notably its reliance on makeshift settlements. Rescue efforts are underway, with French authorities mobilizing military resources to facilitate aid delivery and restoration efforts.
In light of the profound tragedy inflicted by Cyclone Chido, both Comoros and Mayotte face substantial challenges in terms of loss of life and infrastructure destruction, particularly in vulnerable communities. The path to recovery necessitates immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term rebuilding efforts. The international community’s response will be pivotal in alleviating the suffering of affected individuals and restoring basic services in the wake of this catastrophic event.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
