Devastating Cyclone Chido Pummels Mayotte, Leaving Hundreds Dead

The island of Mayotte, an overseas territory ‌of ⁣France, is reeling from the impact of Cyclone⁢ Chido, a ⁤catastrophic Category 4 storm that slammed into the archipelago on Saturday. The storm, the worst to hit the region in nearly a century, has ⁢left hundreds dead, with fears ⁣the​ final toll could ‌reach into the thousands. The Comoros Islands,‌ a neighboring nation, declared a week of national mourning in response to the ‌devastation.

President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros announced the mourning period, ​extending untill Sunday, acknowledging the notable loss of life and the “enormous” damage to infrastructure on both mayotte and the Comoros Islands. The proximity of the two island nations – a mere 70 kilometers apart – meant ⁢both suffered greatly from‌ the cyclone’s fury.

Mayotte, despite its french affiliation, shares a close relationship ‌with the Comoros. ​ ​In fact, a significant‍ portion ⁤of Mayotte’s population – approximately half of its 320,000 residents, according to 2017 French government statistics – originates‌ from ‌the Comoros. Many Comorans have historically migrated to Mayotte, often clandestinely by canoe, contributing to a large undocumented population.

A source⁤ close to the ​Mayotte authorities estimates that between 100,000 and 200,000 people ⁤live on the island due to irregular immigration. The source noted that few undocumented migrants sought shelter in official‌ accommodation ⁤centers before the cyclone, ⁢”probably‌ for fear of being checked.”

The ⁣impact on the island’s vulnerable populations was devastating. “All the shantytowns are flattened,​ which suggests ​a considerable number of victims,” ‌the source stated, highlighting the disproportionate impact on those living in precarious housing.

The storm’s intensity, with winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, caused widespread destruction. Approximately ‌one-third of Mayotte’s population ⁣resides in makeshift housing, leaving ⁤them particularly vulnerable ⁢to the cyclone’s⁣ wrath. The main hospital suffered extensive damage, and widespread power and communication⁢ outages have hampered ​rescue efforts.

Mayotte Senator Salama Ramia described the dire situation in shelters, painting a grim picture⁢ of the immediate aftermath. “There’s no water, no‌ electricity. Hunger is starting to rise. It’s ⁤urgent that ⁤aid arrives, especially when you see children, babies, to whom we have nothing concrete to⁣ offer,” she told BFM-TV.

The French government has mobilized a significant response, deploying ships​ and military aircraft to deliver aid and⁣ rescue ⁢personnel. However, the scale of the disaster, coupled with the challenges of accessing remote areas and identifying ⁣undocumented victims, presents a formidable challenge. Prefect ⁢François-Xavier Bieuville, the top French official in Mayotte, acknowledged the difficulty in accurately‍ assessing ⁢the ⁢death toll, stating that the number could be “several hundred people and could even be in ⁣the thousands.” He cited the rapid burial practices ⁢within⁢ the Muslim community ‍and the presence of undocumented migrants as factors complicating the count.

The situation underscores the vulnerability ‌of island nations to⁢ extreme weather events and the⁤ challenges faced by densely populated areas with‌ significant numbers of undocumented migrants. The international community is watching closely as the recovery efforts unfold in‌ the ​wake of this devastating cyclone.