Hundreds Feared Dead After Cyclone Hits Mayotte
devastating Cyclone ‘Chido’ Feared to Have Claimed Hundreds of Lives in Mayotte
MAYOTTE,FRANCE – The aftermath of Cyclone ‘Chido’s’ rampage through the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean is painting a grim picture,with authorities fearing the death toll could reach into the hundreds,or even thousands.
While the latest official count from security sources stands at 14 fatalities, local Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville warned that a definitive number is unachievable to determine at this time.”I think there will surely be several hundred, perhaps we will approach a thousand, or even a few thousand,” Bieuville told Mayotte la Première, the local public radio station.
Adding to the complexity of assessing the damage, Bieuville highlighted the customary Muslim practise in the affected areas, which dictates burials within 24 hours. this custom may hinder official identification efforts,making a precise death toll even more challenging to ascertain.
Hundreds Injured as Rescue Efforts Face Obstacles
Beyond the confirmed fatalities, nine individuals are in critical condition, and another 246 have sustained serious injuries, according to Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital.Cyclone ‘Chido’ slammed into the island with winds exceeding 220 km/h (137 mph), marking the most intense tropical cyclone to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, according to the French meteorological institute.Emergency responders are working tirelessly, deploying by sea and air to reach those in need. Though, their efforts are being hampered by extensive damage to airports and widespread power outages.
Devastation in Mayotte: Cyclone ‘Chido’ Death Toll May Reach Thousands
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Mayotte, France: Following the catastrophic passage of cyclone ‘Chido’, the outlook for the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean is dire. While official reports confirm 14 fatalities, local authorities fear the true death toll could be significantly higher, potentially reaching into the thousands.
We spoke to Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, who expressed grave concerns about the number of casualties. “I think there will surely be several hundred, perhaps we will approach a thousand, or even a few thousand,” Bieuville stated in an interview with Mayotte la Première, the local public radio station. Determining an exact number presents a challenge. Bieuville highlighted the traditional Muslim practice of burying the deceased within 24 hours, making official identification tough.
Adding to the tragic situation, hundreds have been injured. Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, mayor of mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, reported nine people in critical condition and another 246 with serious injuries.
Cyclone ’Chido’ made landfall with winds exceeding 220 km/h (137 mph), the strongest tropical cyclone to hit Mayotte in over nine decades, according to the French meteorological institute.
Rescue efforts are underway, with emergency responders working tirelessly by sea and air to reach those in need. However, widespread airport damage and devastating power outages are severely hampering their progress. The full extent of the devastation and the true scale of the tragedy are still unfolding.