Tragedy has struck the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, where a powerful cyclone has left hundreds feared dead.
Rescue operations, bolstered by reinforcements from France, are urgently searching through debris for survivors.
The cyclone, named Chido, unleashed wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), obliterating entire communities, particularly impacting the vulnerable living in makeshift shelters.
Severe damage to infrastructure, including downed power lines and impassable roads, is severely hampering emergency response efforts.
Residents of Mayotte, which has a population of 320,000, are grappling with alarming shortages of food, water, and shelter. A local resident expressed despair while waiting for supplies, stating, “We’ve had no water for three days now, and it’s becoming unbearable.”
Another local described the chaotic experience during the cyclone, saying, “I was panicked, screaming for help as I feared the end was near.”
Echoing this sentiment, one resident described the aftermath as reminiscent of a “nuclear war,” witnessing entire neighborhoods vanish in the cyclone’s wake.
Some individuals have turned to nearby schools for shelter, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity during these challenging times. Many of Mayotte’s impoverished communities, including undocumented migrants seeking asylum, have been disproportionately affected due to inadequate housing.
The region faces ongoing struggles with poverty, high unemployment rates, and political instability, with approximately 75% of the population living below the national poverty line.
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his thoughts to those affected, acknowledging the severity of the situation and the loss experienced by residents.
While initial aid has reached some areas, significant efforts to assist isolated communities are still underway.
François-Xavier Bieuville, the island’s prefect, warned that the death toll could escalate into the thousands as damage assessments proceed. Meanwhile, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau plans a visit to coordinate further relief efforts, calling the cyclone’s impact “exceptionally severe.”
Cyclone Chido has also affected neighboring Mozambique, causing flash floods, uprooted trees, and structural damage to various areas, particularly near the city of Pemba. Aid agencies report that healthcare facilities and schools have been severely impacted, raising concerns about access to essential services and the risk of disease outbreaks.
