Cyclone Chido Devastates Southern Africa: Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left a devastating mark on Southern Africa, with authorities confirming that at least 45 people have died in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi. In Mayotte, a French overseas territory, the situation remains dire as officials express concerns that the death toll could rise significantly. Initial estimates suggested that hundreds, possibly thousands, might have perished in the storm's aftermath, particularly in slum areas that were completely flattened.
So far, 22 deaths have been officially recorded, alongside around 1,500 injuries, with 200 of those classified as critical. The acting French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, stated on the radio station BFMTV that he could not provide a precise death count due to the ongoing chaos, fearing that the real toll could be even heavier.
The cyclone, which meteorologists argue was intensified by climate change, hit Mayotte on Saturday with winds reaching up to 140 mph (225 km/h) before moving on to northern Mozambique, an area already troubled by an ongoing Islamist insurgency, and Malawi. In Mozambique alone, the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management has reported nearly 500 injuries and approximately 24,000 homes destroyed.
Adding to the suffering, Southern Africa was already facing a serious drought this year, which has left millions grappling with hunger. In Mayotte, where the local water system is operating at only 50% capacity, concerns are growing over water quality. François-Noël Buffet, France's Minister for Overseas Matters, confirmed that the government had begun distributing 23 tons of water to the affected areas and announced plans for a field hospital, which is expected to be operational by next week after the local hospital was rendered inoperable by the cyclone.
Mayotte, often recognized as the poorest part of France, has an official population of approximately 320,000; however, estimates suggest that up to 200,000 undocumented migrants from the nearby island of Comoros live in overcrowded and precarious conditions. The humanitarian crisis has fueled tensions, with Retailleau using his media platform to blame the migration situation for hindering recovery efforts in Mayotte.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Mayotte on Thursday, with plans to tour a local hospital and assess the damage in a severely affected neighborhood. Macron conveyed his solidarity with the residents, stating, "Our compatriots are living through the worst just a few thousand kilometers away."
However, some residents expressed frustration at the perceived government inaction, particularly targeting Retailleau's recent visit, which did not include stops at damaged areas. Zaïna Assani, a 58-year-old local woman, voiced her despair in a call to her daughter, saying, "I want to scream."
As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on providing immediate aid to those affected and addressing the broader humanitarian and infrastructural challenges faced by the region. The recovery from Cyclone Chido is expected to be a long and arduous journey for the communities impacted by this natural disaster.
Related Sources: