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Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte with Record-Breaking Winds

The French Indian Ocean territory faces catastrophic damage, widespread power outages, and disrupted emergency services as the strongest cyclone in 90 years moves away.

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Mayotte lors du passage du cyclone Belna en 2019.
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Overview

  • Cyclone Chido, with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h, caused severe destruction across Mayotte, marking the most violent storm to hit the territory since 1934.
  • Over 15,000 homes are without electricity, and communication networks have been severely disrupted, leaving many residents isolated.
  • The cyclone's impact has been particularly devastating for Mayotte's vulnerable populations, with informal housing areas heavily affected.
  • Emergency responders faced challenges due to earlier confinement under a violet alert, though efforts to assess and address damage are now underway as the alert level has been reduced to red.
  • French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, have pledged reinforcements and urgent aid to support recovery efforts in the aftermath of the storm.