Cyclone Chido has claimed at least 11 lives in the French territory of Mayotte, with authorities warning the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue, France’s Interior Ministry said Sunday.
The intense tropical cyclone, which brought winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph), struck the southeastern Indian Ocean region, causing widespread destruction in Mayotte, Comoros, and Madagascar. Chido, now classified as a Category 4 storm, made landfall Sunday in northern Mozambique, where millions are at risk.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said Mayotte had suffered its worst cyclone in 90 years, leaving extensive damage to infrastructure and communities. Prime Minister François Bayrou confirmed severe damage to the island’s main hospital, airport, and public facilities.
Mayotte’s population of 300,000, spread across two main islands, experienced significant devastation, with entire neighborhoods flattened and boats overturned. The local prefect described the cyclone’s impact as catastrophic, particularly for those living in precarious housing conditions.
The Interior Ministry reported 246 injuries in Mayotte, with nine people critically injured. Emergency personnel from France and Reunion were deployed, with reinforcements and supplies being sent by military aircraft and ships. A force of 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers has been mobilized to assist residents and prevent looting.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was monitoring the situation closely, and Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims during his visit to Corsica.
In Mozambique, Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado province, where 2.5 million people are at risk. UNICEF reported extensive damage to homes, schools, and health facilities, warning of potential long-term disruptions to basic services. Neighboring Malawi and Zimbabwe are bracing for flooding and possible evacuations.
Southern Africa’s cyclone season, which lasts from December to March, has seen increasingly devastating storms. Cyclone Idai in 2019 killed more than 1,300 people, while Cyclone Freddy left over 1,000 dead last year. Chido adds to growing concerns over the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the lingering threat of disease outbreaks, including cholera, dengue fever, and malaria.
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