Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, resulting in 22 deaths and over 1,400 injuries. Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences and offered assistance. French officials reported that 70% of the population was affected, with recovery efforts underway, including a nighttime curfew. Macron referred to the situation as a tragedy, while experts warn of increasing cyclone intensities due to climate change.
Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, an overseas region of France located near Madagascar, on Sunday, causing significant destruction. Winds reached speeds of up to 200 km/h, resulting in at least 22 fatalities and over 1,400 injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow regarding the disaster, offering India’s full support for relief efforts. He articulated his sentiments via social media, underscoring India’s solidarity with France during this challenging time under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership.
The cyclone’s impact has prompted urgent responses from the French government, with French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stating that 70% of Mayotte’s residents have been affected and the territory is “completely devastated.” To aid recovery efforts, he announced the deployment of an additional 400 paramilitary personnel alongside 1,600 already engaged. Authorities are also instituting a nighttime curfew to curb looting and prevent disease outbreaks in the stricken area.
President Emmanuel Macron referred to the situation as a “tragedy” during a crisis meeting and announced plans to visit Mayotte shortly. With one-third of the population living in poverty and lacking secure housing, the government has initiated measures to restore essential services, including water supplies, with a goal of achieving 50% restoration within 48 hours. Additional supplies of food and water are also being dispatched to the beleaguered region.
Cyclone Chido is noted as the most powerful storm to have impacted the archipelago in more than 90 years, highlighting concerns raised by experts about the escalating frequency and intensity of such cyclones as a consequence of climate change.
Cyclone Chido emerged as a devastating natural disaster, striking Mayotte, an isolated island territory of France situated in the Indian Ocean. Given its geographic location near Madagascar, this region is susceptible to cyclones, but Chido has been unprecedented in its strength, with winds comparable to other major historical storms. The event has raised alarms, particularly in relation to global warming trends and their role in intensifying storm severity. The resultant humanitarian crisis has elicited both local and international responses, underscoring the immediate need for assistance and long-term strategies for resilience.
In summary, Cyclone Chido has wrought havoc on Mayotte, leaving a toll of lives lost, injuries sustained, and widespread destruction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s offer of assistance reflects international solidarity in times of disaster. As efforts intensify to aid affected populations, the situation also serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, which may lead to more frequent and severe weather events. The collaborative efforts of the French government and international bodies will be critical in navigating the recovery process for the impacted communities.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
