The French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte has been left in ruins following a powerful cyclone that struck over the weekend. Cyclone Chido, packing winds of up to 226 kilometers per hour, swept across the islands, obliterating homes and disrupting vital services, with hundreds feared dead. Apexnewsgh reports
Scenes of destruction have emerged from Mayotte, a region recognized as part of France but among its poorest territories. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, leaving behind mere piles of rubble. “The storm has spared nothing. The hospital is hit. The schools are hit. Houses are totally devastated,” said Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, the capital.
The aftermath of the cyclone poses a significant challenge to the French government, which is presently operating in a caretaker capacity following President Emmanuel Macron’s last appointment of a new prime minister just days prior. As rescue efforts intensify, Health Minister Genevieve Darrieussecq revealed the grave state of healthcare on the island. “The hospital has suffered major water damage and destruction, notably in the surgical, intensive care, maternity, and emergency units,” she reported, noting that essential medical centers have become non-operational.
With roads blocked and communication lines severed, officials are gravely concerned for those potentially trapped under debris in inaccessible areas. François-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, warned that the death toll could reach several hundred or even thousands.
In preparation for the rescue response, additional soldiers and firefighters have arrived on the island to support the initial deployments. Meanwhile, La Reunion, a nearby French island, serves as a crucial hub for relief operations. In the initial hours after the storm, a first aid plane delivered critical supplies, including medical materials and staff, to address the urgent needs of the injured and affected.
As the scope of the disaster comes to light, international aid promises are flooding in. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, assured that the bloc stands ready to support Mayotte in the coming days. Additionally, the World Health Organization has expressed its readiness to assist communities desperately in need.
One local resident, Ibrahim, described the chaos unfolding on the island, referring to it as “apocalyptic scenes” as he navigated the wreckage. Many residents, particularly those living in shantytowns with flimsy roofs, faced immense peril as their homes were dismantled by the cyclone.
The cyclone highlights the broader issue of climate change, with meteorologists noting that Chido was exacerbated by unusually warm waters in the Indian Ocean. Just after striking Mayotte, the storm made its way to Mozambique, where officials have reported three fatalities.
As the rescue efforts continue under challenging conditions, the extent of Mayotte’s suffering remains uncertain, particularly for the estimated 100,000 individuals living clandestinely on the island, who may be hesitant to seek assistance for fear of possible repercussions. The coming days will be crucial in determining the recovery and support needed for the resilient islanders of Mayotte.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
