December 15th 2024.
A devastating cyclone has struck the remote island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, leaving behind a trail of destruction and tragedy. According to the island's top official, up to 1,000 people could have lost their lives in this natural disaster. The French territory of Mayotte has been hit hard by Cyclone Chido, causing significant damage to local infrastructure and leaving many in fear for their loved ones.
In a recent statement to the media, Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville expressed his concerns about the high death toll, saying, "I think there are several hundred dead, and we may even reach a thousand or more given the ferocity of this event." The prefect also mentioned that it is currently challenging to determine an exact number as the cyclone has severely damaged communication lines on the island.
So far, 11 lives have been lost, and nine more are in critical condition. A local hospital has reported 246 injuries, and there are fears that the death toll will continue to rise in the coming days. The impact of Cyclone Chido has also been felt on nearby islands, including Comoros and Madagascar.
Mayotte bore the full force of the cyclone, causing significant damage on Saturday. The prefect stated that it was the most severe cyclone to hit the island in the last 90 years. The French government has deployed 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers to assist the affected population and prevent any potential looting.
France's new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who took office just a day before the cyclone struck, expressed his shock at the extent of the damage. He stated that public infrastructure, including the main hospital and airport, had been severely damaged or destroyed. The winds of Cyclone Chido reached speeds of over 136mph, tearing off metal roofs and destroying many small structures. Mayotte, with a population of around 300,000 people spread over two main islands, has been hit hard by this catastrophic event.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left entire neighborhoods flattened, and residents have reported uprooted trees and sunken boats. The French weather service has classified Chido as a tropical cyclone, and its effects have been felt across the southeastern Indian Ocean. The people of Mayotte are now facing a long road to recovery, and the international community has come together to provide aid and support during this difficult time.
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