Cyclone Chido devastated the French territory of Mayotte with nearly 140 mph winds, marking the strongest storm in over 90 years. Emergency responders are searching for survivors amid significant destruction, while the death toll remains unknown. French President Macron plans to visit, and extensive rescue efforts are underway with healthcare facilities operational.
Recent satellite imagery reveals the extensive destruction caused by Cyclone Chido, which struck the French territory of Mayotte over the weekend as a powerful Category 4 hurricane. Wind gusts reached nearly 140 mph, making it the strongest storm to hit the region in over nine decades. Emergency responders are actively searching for survivors amidst the damage, with reports indicating a potential death toll that remains undetermined as assessments continue. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed intentions to visit the affected area while hundreds of rescue workers have been deployed to assist in recovery efforts.
Witness accounts describe the devastation as unprecedented, with one resident noting, “It really is a war landscape. I don’t recognize anything anymore. There’s not even a tree left. The hills, there’s not a blade of grass. It’s extraordinary.” The main hospital in Mamoudzou is operational, alongside a newly established field clinic, emphasizing the urgent healthcare needs following the disaster. However, officials indicate that it may take several days to accurately assess the full extent of the storm’s impact and the number of casualties.
Cyclone Chido emerged as a significant tropical storm in the Indian Ocean, striking the archipelago of Mayotte, situated between Mozambique and Madagascar. On Saturday, the cyclone made landfall, bringing with it unprecedented wind speeds classified as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. This event marks a historical occurrence, being the most powerful hurricane to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, leading to widespread devastation and necessitating urgent emergency response efforts.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left Mayotte grappling with severe destruction and an uncertain death toll as local resources mobilize for rescue operations. The French government is responding with support from emergency teams while health facilities are being reinforced to address the needs of the impacted population. As assessments of the damage continue, it becomes increasingly critical to provide aid and support to those affected by this catastrophic event.
Original Source: www.foxweather.com
