Cyclone Chido has struck the French archipelago of Mayotte with devastating effects, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and significant damage to infrastructure. The cyclone made landfall on December 15, 2024, with winds exceeding 170 km/h (approximately 106 mph), prompting widespread destruction across the region. Residents reported brutal conditions as the cyclone brought torrential rains and fierce winds, forcing families to evacuate to safer areas. Officials indicated that search and rescue operations are underway and further assessments of the damage are ongoing. “We were not prepared for such a powerful cyclone, and it has left many families bereft,” said a local resident caught in the storm. The local government has declared a natural disaster to facilitate recovery efforts, with emergency services mobilizing to provide aid to the affected communities. Reports confirm that many roads are impassable due to flooding and debris, complicating aid delivery. The cyclone has also disrupted electricity supply, leaving thousands without power. French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has expressed her condolences to the victims’ families and pledged that the government would provide support to rebuild the island. As the region continues to grapple with recovery, further weather warnings have been issued, indicating that additional storms could impact the area in the coming days.
Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Leaving At Least 11 Dead
