In brief
The island of Mayotte has been severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Chido, prompting fears of a humanitarian crisis after at least 14 confirmed deaths and hundreds injured.
In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Chido, Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, has been left reeling. With emergency services racing against time to assist survivors, the island is said to be “unrecognizable” after the storm wreaked havoc this past weekend. Preliminary reports indicate a tragic death toll of at least 14, with injuries surpassing 250. François-Xavier Bieuville, the French government’s representative in Mayotte, expressed grave concerns that the actual number of fatalities could escalate into the hundreds, possibly approaching a thousand.This unprecedented storm is noted as the most powerful to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, with wind speeds soaring above 124 mph. Rescuers are working tirelessly through the debris of homes, schools, and hospitals, while officials brace for a potential humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, three fatalities have also been reported in Mozambique due to the storm's reach. French President Emmanuel Macron is holding an emergency meeting to address this dire situation as the island begins its recovery journey.
