Cyclone Chido‘s destruction devastated Mayotte, a French territory north of Madagascar. On Saturday, the storm landed with wind speeds of over 225 km/h. The strong winds flattened areas with shacks and left fields of dirt and debris.
As a result, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the damaged areas. During his visit, he was met with mixed reactions. Some people shouted, “Macron resign, you’re talking nonsense.” Others expressed gratitude for his visit. At the Mamoudzou hospital center, one woman told Macron, “Nobody feels safe here; people are fighting over water.”
Meanwhile, the storm caused significant damage and loss of life in several countries. In Mozambique, at least 45 people were killed, and in Malawi, 13 people lost their lives. The storm also affected Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Comoros.
In addition, a state of exceptional natural disaster has been declared in Mayott. This declaration allows for a quicker and more effective response to the crisis. It has been activated for one month but can be extended if necessary.
Furthermore, the storm highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness and response. The French government has pledged to provide support to the affected areas.
Cyclone Chido was a devastating event that caused widespread destruction and loss of life. The storm’s impact will last a long time, and we must learn from this disaster to prepare for future events.
The international community must provide urgent assistance to support the affected communities, including food, shelter, and medical care. With thousands of people displaced and without access to necessities, we must act quickly to mitigate the effects of this disaster.
