Cyclone Chido: A Historic Catastrophe in Mayotte

Cyclone Chido has wrought unprecedented devastation on the French island of Mayotte, leading the government to declare an 'exceptional natural disaster.' This storm, characterized by wind speeds reaching 220 km/h, has resulted in tragic losses, with at least 31 fatalities and over 1,500 injuries reported.

The impact of climate change is starkly highlighted, as a study from Imperial College London indicates that global warming has intensified the cyclone's severity by 40 percent. In its wake, Chido has obliterated infrastructure, leaving many residents cut off from essential services such as electricity and telecommunications.

The destruction of densely populated areas has left approximately a third of the island's 300,000 inhabitants in dire straits. In response to the crisis, French troops have delivered significant aid, including 120 tons of food and drinking water, amidst the ongoing humanitarian emergency.

Prime Minister Bayrou has deemed this calamity the worst natural disaster in France's history. As President Macron prepares to visit the island, the urgent need for additional support and recovery efforts is clear, reflecting the grim reality of a community grappling with both immediate and long-term consequences of this catastrophic event.