The Comoros has declared a national week of mourning after Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, devastated the nearby French territory of Mayotte, resulting in significant loss of life and infrastructure. President Assoumani announced that mourning will last until Sunday, acknowledging the severe impact on both nations, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The Comoros Islands, located near Mayotte, have declared a week of national mourning following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 hurricane. The storm, which primarily affected the French overseas territory of Mayotte, is feared to have caused hundreds of fatalities, predominantly within impoverished areas housing many nationals from Comoros. President Azali Assoumani announced that the mourning period would extend until Sunday, as the islands grapple with significant loss of life and infrastructural damage due to the cyclone.
Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on December 14, 2023, resulting in winds exceeding 220 kilometers (137 miles) per hour, leading to unprecedented destruction. This cyclone is noted to be the most severe in nearly nine decades. The geographical proximity of Mayotte and the Comoros—merely 70 kilometers (43 miles) apart—exacerbates the tragedy, as many Comoros nationals reside in Mayotte. Historical context reveals that Mayotte opted to retain its French affiliation after referendums in the 1970s, which has since influenced migration and demographic patterns in the region.
The situation presents a significant humanitarian crisis, as the Comoros endure the immediate effects of Cyclone Chido while mourning the loss of life among their nationals. The government’s declaration of mourning reflects the gravity of the disaster and the intertwined fates of Comoros and Mayotte. As Cyclone Chido is recognized as the worst storm in 90 years for the region, recovery efforts will be critical as both territories begin to assess and respond to the damage caused.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
