Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, has caused widespread devastation, leaving officials fearing hundreds, possibly thousands, of fatalities.
The Category 4 storm made landfall on the French Indian Ocean territory on Saturday, bringing winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph). The cyclone’s ferocity has left a trail of destruction, particularly in the island’s vulnerable informal settlements.
Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville described the event as unprecedented. “I think there are several hundred dead, maybe close to a thousand, given the violence of this event,” he stated.
The French Interior Ministry has so far confirmed 11 deaths and over 250 injuries, but ongoing rescue operations are expected to reveal a much higher toll. Aerial footage shows entire neighborhoods flattened, with makeshift homes constructed from wood and metal destroyed.
Thousands have been left homeless, and critical infrastructure, including government buildings, the island’s main hospital, and its airport, has sustained severe damage. The extensive destruction has complicated relief efforts, with rescue teams racing against time to assist those in need.
The full extent of Cyclone Chido’s impact is still unfolding as authorities work to assess the devastation and provide aid to the thousands affected by the disaster.
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