Cyclone Chido: Hundreds Feared Dead in Mayotte
Devastating Cyclone Chido May Have Claimed Hundreds of Lives in Mayotte
MAYOTTE, FRANCE – Cyclone Chido, which slammed into the French overseas territory of Mayotte over the weekend, may have caused hundreds, possibly even thousands, of deaths, according to local officials.
François-Xavier Bieuville, the local prefect, told Mayotte la Première, a public radio station, that the final death toll will be “very difficult” to determine. “I think there will surely be several hundred, perhaps we will approach a thousand, or even a few thousand,” Bieuville said.
The challenge in confirming the number of fatalities stems from local Muslim traditions, which dictate burials within 24 hours.
As of Sunday, authorities had confirmed 14 deaths, with nine people critically injured and another 246 suffering serious injuries, according to Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital.
Cyclone Chido, packing winds exceeding 136 mph, was the most intense storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, according to France’s meteorological institute. Emergency services have been deployed by air and sea, but their efforts have been hampered by damage to airports and widespread power outages.
Mayotte Cyclone Toll Uncertain, Hundreds Possibly Dead
MAYOTTE, FRANCE – Cyclone Chido, which ravaged the French overseas territory of Mayotte over the weekend, may have claimed hundreds, or even thousands, of lives. Local officials are struggling to ascertain the true extent of the devastation.
François-Xavier Bieuville,the local prefect,spoke to Mayotte la Première,a public radio station,stating that “the final death toll will be very difficult to determine.” He offered a grim prediction, saying “I think there will surely be several hundred, perhaps we will approach a thousand, or even a few thousand.”
This challenge stems from local Muslim traditions, which require burials within 24 hours, making it difficult to track casualties accurately.
Current confirmed numbers remain significantly lower. Mayor of Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, reported 14 confirmed deaths as of Sunday, along with nine critically injured and 246 suffering serious injuries.
Cyclone Chido, with wind speeds exceeding 136 mph, was the most powerful storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, according to France’s meteorological institute. Rescue efforts by air and sea face meaningful obstacles due to damage sustained by airports and widespread power outages.