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Cyclone Chido has caused massive devastation in the Mayotte Islands of France. According to reports, several hundred people are feared dead due to this terrible storm, while the death toll may reach thousands. The devastating storm has devastated Mayotte’s infrastructure, causing panic across the region.
Hurricane Chido’s fierce attack
The French Interior Ministry informed that it is not possible at the moment to accurately assess the damage caused by the storm. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead so far, but the actual figure may be much higher.
According to weather agency Météo France, the cyclone’s winds reached speeds of 200 km/h (124 mph). The high-speed winds seriously damaged temporary homes, government buildings, and hospitals.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayreu described the cyclone as “unexpected and extremely destructive”.
Fear of thousands of deaths
Prefect Francois-Xavier Beauville said the death toll could be in the thousands, France 24 reports. He told local broadcaster Mayotte La 1ère:
“I think there will certainly be several hundred deaths, and the number could be a thousand or even higher.”
France has sent rescue teams and emergency supplies to the affected areas so that relief work can be carried out rapidly.
Mayotte: a region struggling with poverty and unrest
The Mayotte Archipelago is located approximately 8,000 km (4,970 mi) from Paris. The region is extremely poor compared to other French regions and has been affected by violence and social unrest over the years.
Cyclone Chido is also expected to hit Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces in the north, threatening to increase damage.
EU support
The European Union has promised to support France in this time of crisis. EU President Ursula von der Leyen posted on Twitter:
“Our thoughts are with France. “Europe stands with the people of Mayotte in this crisis and we are ready to provide all possible help.”
Delay in reporting due to Muslim culture
Mayotte is a Muslim-majority area, where the dead are buried within 24 hours. According to French officials, it may take several days to estimate the true number of dead due to this cultural tradition. However, officials fear that this figure may be much higher.