Mon Dec 16 11:19:21 UTC 2024: ## Devastating Cyclone Chido Slams Mayotte, Leaving Hundreds Potentially Thousands Dead
**Cape Town, South Africa – December 16, 2024** – Cyclone Chido, one of the strongest cyclones to hit the Indian Ocean in nearly a century, has caused catastrophic damage to the French territory of Mayotte, with the death toll potentially reaching into the thousands. While the official count stands at 14, Mayotte’s prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, fears hundreds, possibly thousands, have perished. The impoverished island’s informal settlements were particularly hard-hit.
France is mounting a large-scale rescue and relief operation, deploying military aircraft and ships carrying personnel and supplies. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has arrived in Mamoudzou, the capital, acknowledging the immense challenge in determining the final human cost. Over 800 additional personnel are expected in the coming days.
The damage is widespread, with entire neighborhoods flattened and critical infrastructure, including the airport and hospital, severely damaged. The airport’s control tower damage restricts access to military aircraft only, hindering the relief effort. The high death toll is partly attributed to the rapid burial practices of the Muslim community and the presence of many undocumented migrants.
Chido, a category 4 cyclone with winds exceeding 220 kph, hit Mayotte on December 14, after impacting Comoros and Madagascar. It has since moved to Mozambique, where early reports indicate three deaths and the potential for over 2 million people to be affected. Malawi and Zimbabwe are also preparing for potential flooding. This latest cyclone adds to a growing list of devastating storms in the region in recent years.
First Piper 