Cyclone Chido, the “worst cyclone in centuries” that has devastated the island, brought winds of over 220 km/h when it made landfall on Saturday, according to the French meteorological service.
One day after the “worst cyclone of the century” swept through the French island of Mayotte, clean-up operations have begun in this overseas French territory, located near Madagascar. Images released by the French Civil Protection agency show rescue services and the Armed Forces clearing debris and scattered trees from the streets.
The French Interior Ministry stated that it was proving difficult to provide an accurate count of the dead and injured in Mayotte, but at the moment, 11 deaths had been confirmed. Speaking to a local television channel early Sunday, the prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville, stated: “I believe there are several hundred dead, perhaps we are approaching a thousand.”
A hospital in Mayotte reported that there were nine people in critical condition and 246 others injured there. Cyclone Chido blew across the southeast Indian Ocean, also affecting the nearby islands of Comoros and Madagascar. Mayotte was directly in the path of the cyclone and suffered extensive damage on Saturday, according to authorities.
Chido brought winds of over 220 km/h, according to the French meteorological service, and tore the roofs off houses in the archipelago, home to just over 300,000 inhabitants. In some areas, entire neighborhoods of huts and metal shacks were flattened, while residents reported that many trees had been uprooted, boats overturned or sunk, and the power supply cut off.
Hundreds feared dead in Mayotte after Cyclone Chido[/caption>
The “worst cyclone in almost a century”
Authorities in Mayotte stated that this was the worst cyclone to hit the territory in almost a century. The French Interior Ministry said that 1,600 Police and Gendarmerie agents had been deployed to “assist the population and prevent potential looting”.
Over 100 rescuers and firefighters have been deployed in Mayotte from France and the nearby territory of Réunion, and an additional 140 reinforcements were sent on Sunday. France has also sent aid to the island by military aircraft.
Mayotte is the poorest department of France and has struggled in the past with drought and lack of investment. It has also been plagued by gang violence, and tensions escalated earlier this year due to widespread water shortages.
Mayotte Island[/caption>
The cyclone has made landfall on the east coast of Africa, hitting northern Mozambique. According to UNICEF, Cabo Delgado province, home to around two million people, has been severely affected. “UNICEF is concerned about the immediate effects of this cyclone: the loss of lives, damage to schools, homes, and health centers,” said Guy Taylor, UNICEF’s advocacy and communication chief in Mozambique.
“We are also concerned about the long-term repercussions: the possibility of children being out of school for weeks, people unable to access health care, and the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and malaria,” Taylor added.
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