Cyclone Chido leaves Mayotte devastated, death toll soaring
Cyclone Chido has devastated the French region of Mayotte, resulting in hundreds of casualties. The prefecture warns that the death toll could potentially reach several thousand.
3:39 PM EST, December 15, 2024
Mayotte is a French overseas department and region in the Indian Ocean, located in the Mozambique Channel. It consists of two islands and approximately 30 smaller uninhabited islets.
Cyclone Chido, which impacted Mayotte, caused massive destruction. Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville stated that he believes the number of victims will "certainly reach several hundred, maybe close to a thousand, or even several thousand." This is the worst cyclone to hit the region in nearly a hundred years.
The destruction is extensive, with many homes in the slums completely destroyed. The Mayor of Mamoudzou, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, emphasized that the cyclone spared nothing in its path, destroying a hospital and a school. Most roads are impassable, and residents are left without electricity and water.
Mayotte, being the poorest French department, struggles with immigration issues. According to the French Ministry of the Interior, over 100,000 illegal immigrants reside in Mayotte. About 77 percent of residents live below the poverty line. Many did not report to shelters for fear of deportation.
Estimating the number of casualties may be challenging because, according to traditional Muslim customs strongly rooted in Mayotte, the deceased must be buried within 24 hours.
