Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, causing extensive destruction. Reports indicate that hundreds of lives may be lost, with over 19,000 buildings and 105 km of roads significantly damaged. The capital, Mamoudzou, faced devastating winds, and the majority of the population has been severely impacted according to preliminary estimates.
Four days following the landfall of tropical cyclone Chido on December 14 in Mayotte, officials are still grappling with the catastrophic consequences. Preliminary estimates indicate that the human toll could potentially number in the hundreds. Satellite imagery released by Maxar, through Agence France-Presse, has presented an alarming overview of the widespread destruction inflicted on both infrastructure and buildings across this overseas French territory in the Indian Ocean.
In Mamoudzou, the capital city of Mayotte located on Grande-Terre island, the majority of structures could not withstand the severe winds exceeding 180 km/h, with gusts recorded at nearly 250 km/h in the northern regions. While industrial zones in the north, characterized by more robust constructions, sustained some damage, they did perform relatively better compared to other areas. The marina along Route Nationale No. 2 on the eastern coast was entirely obliterated due to the cyclone and subsequent marine flooding.
The eastern region of Petite-Terre, encompassing the towns of Dzaoudzi and Pamandzi, also experienced extensive damage, having been the initial target of the cyclone’s onslaught. The ports, particularly Dzaoudzi, faced substantial destruction to their quays. According to the French Interior Ministry, a staggering 70% of Mayotte’s population has been deemed ‘seriously affected’ by this disaster, with emergency assessments estimating that over 19,000 buildings and 105 kilometers of roadway have suffered severe impact or total destruction.
Tropical cyclones are severe weather events that can cause widespread devastation, particularly in island regions such as Mayotte, which is situated in the Indian Ocean. The territory’s geography, combined with its infrastructure’s vulnerability, increases the likelihood of severe damage from such storms. This recent cyclone, Chido, is noted for its intensity, with wind speeds reported at unprecedented levels, thus raising concerns regarding potential fatalities, property loss, and the challenges of recovery in the aftermath.
In summary, cyclone Chido has inflicted catastrophic damage on Mayotte, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes. The estimated impact on the population is profound, with a significant percentage reported severely affected. As recovery efforts begin, the focus will likely shift towards humanitarian assistance and rebuilding the devastated areas.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
