Emergency workers are racing against the clock to restore essential services in Mayotte, the French overseas territory battered by Cyclone Chido—the most powerful storm to hit the island in nearly a century. With winds over 200 kph (124 mph), the cyclone has left a trail of devastation, and officials fear the death toll could reach into the thousands.
🚁 Maritime and aerial teams are working tirelessly to deliver relief supplies and equipment. \"The first intervention planes have arrived in Mayotte to provide emergency aid in the face of the damage caused by the cyclone. The State is fully mobilized to support the inhabitants of Mayotte in this ordeal,\" shared Nicolas Daragon, France's Minister for Everyday Security, on X.
The extent of the damage is still unfolding. François-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, expressed deep concern: \"The death toll will certainly be several hundreds, maybe we will reach a thousand, even several thousands.\"
To bolster relief efforts, an air bridge has been established between Mayotte and Réunion Island, another French territory east of Madagascar. Sébastien Lecornu, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, stated that additional shelters, military rations, and generators are on their way. \"For the accommodation of emergency services, three structures capable of accommodating 150 people are on site, with an additional one currently on its way,\" he confirmed.
🌴 The scene on the ground is heartbreaking. Wreckage of hundreds of makeshift homes is scattered across hillsides, coconut trees have crashed through roofs, and hospital corridors are flooded. One resident described the aftermath as resembling a \"nuclear apocalypse.\"
Mayotte lies between Madagascar and Mozambique, about 8,000 kilometers from Paris. The island has faced challenges for decades, including poverty, gang violence, and social unrest. It's a major destination for undocumented immigrants from the nearby Comoros archipelago.
A Bit of History 📖
France colonized Mayotte in 1843 and annexed the Comoros islands in 1904. While most of the archipelago voted for independence in 1974, Mayotte chose to remain under French administration.
Our Thoughts 💭
As the situation unfolds, our hearts go out to the people of Mayotte. The resilience and solidarity shown by the emergency workers and volunteers are inspiring. We hope for a swift recovery and urge our readers to stay informed and consider ways to support the relief efforts.
Reference(s):
French military aid starts to arrive in cyclone-battered Mayotte
cgtn.com
