At least 11 individuals have lost their lives following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, according to the French Interior Ministry. The cyclone has now reached the east coast of Africa, prompting concerns from aid organizations about further casualties and extensive destruction in northern Mozambique.
The French Interior Ministry expressed challenges in accurately assessing the number of casualties and injuries in Mayotte, with fears that the death toll may rise. A hospital in Mayotte reported nine individuals in critical condition and 246 others sustaining injuries. The cyclone, which affected the southeastern Indian Ocean and neighboring islands like Comoros and Madagascar, severely damaged Mayotte over the weekend, with officials deeming it the most destructive cyclone in the region in nearly a century.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau conveyed worries about the high potential death toll in Mayotte after an emergency meeting in Paris, stating that the island had suffered significant devastation. Prime Minister François Bayrou, who assumed office recently, highlighted the severe damage to public infrastructure on the island, including critical facilities such as the main hospital and the airport. The cyclone, classified as a category 4 storm with winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph), led to the flattening of entire neighborhoods and destruction of essential amenities.
Mayotte, with a population of around 300,000, faced extensive destruction, prompting the deployment of 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers to assist the affected population and prevent potential looting. Rescue teams from France and Reunion were dispatched to Mayotte, with additional reinforcements on the way. Emergency supplies were being swiftly transported by military planes and ships to support relief efforts.
President Emmanuel Macron closely monitored the situation, while Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims during his visit to Corsica. Cyclone Chido proceeded towards Mozambique, affecting provinces like Cabo Delgado and Nampula, with up to 2.5 million people at risk. UNICEF reported significant damage in Cabo Delgado, emphasizing the urgent need for additional assistance to ensure essential services are maintained.
As Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe prepared for potential flooding, UNICEF stressed the importance of immediate support to address the aftermath of the cyclone. In videos from Cabo Delgado, UNICEF Mozambique spokesman Guy Taylor highlighted the extensive destruction, emphasizing the critical need for aid to alleviate the impact on the affected communities.
Following the immediate impact of the cyclone, communities are now confronted with the grim reality of potentially being isolated from essential services such as schools and health facilities for an extended period. The period from December through to March marks the cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean, and in recent years, southern Africa has endured a relentless onslaught of powerful cyclones. Tragically, Cyclone Idai, which struck in 2019, claimed the lives of over 1,300 individuals in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The devastation continued with Cyclone Freddy, which wreaked havoc last year, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 people across multiple countries.
The destructive force of these cyclones not only poses the immediate threats of flooding and landslides but also gives rise to lingering hazards such as stagnant pools of water that can trigger deadly outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera, as well as the spread of dengue fever and malaria. Scientific studies have indicated that the intensification of cyclones is directly linked to the effects of climate change. As these natural disasters become more severe, the already vulnerable and impoverished countries in southern Africa find themselves grappling with immense humanitarian crises, despite contributing minimally to global climate change emissions. This underscores the urgent need for increased support and assistance from wealthier nations in addressing the profound impact of climate change on these regions.
Reporting from Paris, Corbet sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of cyclones in southern Africa. The Associated Press’s coverage of African news provides comprehensive insights into the widespread ramifications of these environmental disasters on the region. For the latest updates on African developments, please visit AP Africa news at https://apnews.com/hub/africa.
