‘Heavy’ toll feared after French territory of Mayotte hit by Cyclone Chido

Sun Dec 15 08:13:22 UTC 2024: ## Devastating Cyclone Chido Leaves Trail of Destruction in Mayotte, Death Toll Feared to be High

**Paris, France** – Cyclone Chido has slammed into the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, leaving a path of destruction and causing at least two confirmed deaths, with officials fearing the toll will rise significantly. The unexpectedly violent cyclone, described as “exceptional” by meteorologists, tore through the islands, obliterating shantytowns and damaging government buildings, the hospital, and numerous homes.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou reported significant damage and expressed concerns about access to essential resources such as food, water, and sanitation. Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the destruction as “dramatic” and warned that determining the final death toll may take several days. News agencies report conflicting tolls, with Reuters citing four deaths and AFP confirming two on Petite-Terre island.

The cyclone’s high-speed winds, reaching at least 226km/h (140mph), caused widespread devastation. Pamandzi airport on Petite-Terre suffered major damage, according to Acting Transport Minister François Durovray. The storm also impacted the nearby Comoros islands, resulting in flooding and property damage.

The cyclone’s intensity has been linked to unusually warm Indian Ocean waters, highlighting the impact of climate change. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that the cyclone’s remnants could bring significant rainfall and potential flash floods to neighboring Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. OCHA previously flagged the potential danger to 1.7 million people in the region.

Mayotte, located thousands of kilometers from France, is a significantly poorer region grappling with pre-existing social and political tensions, including recent water shortages and citizenship disputes. The cyclone further exacerbates these challenges. Acting Interior Minister Retailleau will travel to Mayotte on Monday to assess the situation firsthand. The French government is bracing for a significant humanitarian response in the coming days.