Tropical Cyclone Chido has left Mayotte severely impacted, with at least 14 confirmed deaths and 250 injuries. Officials warn that the actual death toll may be significantly higher, potentially reaching thousands. The cyclone, the worst in 90 years, has resulted in considerable destruction and prompted emergency rescue efforts, alongside concerns of a looming humanitarian crisis.
Tropical Cyclone Chido, having struck the French territory of Mayotte, has left a profound impact, with the official death toll currently reported at 14. However, concerns regarding the extent of casualties have been raised, suggesting that the actual figure may be significantly higher. Emergency response teams are actively engaged in rescue operations amidst the devastation across homes, schools, and businesses. Preliminary assessments indicate over 250 injuries, with officials conveying the grim reality of an impending humanitarian crisis in an area deemed France’s poorest territory. François-Xavier Bieuville, the highest-ranking official in Mayotte, speculated, “I think that there will be several hundred” deaths, adding that the figure could potentially reach thousands, a sentiment echoed by France’s interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, who stated that accurately determining the death toll would take several days. Meteorologists have classified Chido as the most severe storm to impact Mayotte in 90 years, with wind speeds surpassing 124 miles per hour, further exacerbating the situation. Additionally, reports indicate that the storm claimed at least three lives in Mozambique, highlighting the regional impact of this disaster.
Tropical Cyclone Chido has strikingly affected Mayotte, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean known for its socioeconomic challenges, rendering it France’s poorest territory. The cyclone, described as the worst storm to impact the area in nine decades, has prompted urgent rescue operations amid widespread damage. The combination of high wind speeds and the ensuing destruction has raised significant concerns regarding the potential for a humanitarian crisis, necessitating national attention.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Chido’s devastating effects on Mayotte have resulted in an alarming number of injuries and fatalities, with fears of a much higher death toll than currently reported. Emergency measures are underway to address the immediate needs of those affected, while officials brace for what could become a serious humanitarian disaster. The cyclone’s impact reaches beyond Mayotte, as its effects are also felt in neighboring Mozambique, further underscoring the storm’s severity.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
