The French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte has been struck by one of the deadliest cyclones in nearly 90 years, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Cyclone Chido, with winds exceeding 240 km/h (124 mph), has caused massive devastation across the region. Thousands are feared dead, with authorities scrambling to assess the full extent of the damage.Rising death toll and severe damageLocal officials report that the death toll from Cyclone Chido could soar into the thousands, with at least 11 confirmed fatalities. However, the full scope of the tragedy is difficult to ascertain due to the scale of the destruction and local burial practices, which complicate efforts to account for all victims. As rescue operations continue, it is feared that the numbers will rise significantly.Francois-Xavier Bieuville, an official with the regions disaster management team, acknowledged that while initial reports are grim, ongoing rescue efforts will shed light on the true extent of the casualties. Many survivors are also facing a dire lack of basic necessities, including food, water, and sanitation.Widespread community destructionEntire neighborhoods have been decimated, with hospitals, residential blocks, and government buildings destroyed. Eyewitnesses have described scenes of overwhelming devastation, with one survivor recounting the sight of an entire neighborhood being wiped out by the storm. The damage has left communities struggling to recover, as the immediate needs for shelter and relief supplies grow more urgent by the day.Government response and international aidFrench President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his condolences and assured Mayottes residents of Frances full support. In response to the crisis, an air bridge is being set up from Reunion Island to deliver essential aid to the affected region. Additionally, Doctors Without Borders is preparing to assess the medical needs of the population once conditions allow.This devastating catastrophe poses a significant challenge for newly appointed Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who now faces the daunting task of managing a humanitarian emergency shortly after taking office.
