Cyclone Chido Devastates French Territory Mayotte

Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French overseas territory, with winds exceeding 220 kph, causing significant destruction and a rising death toll, now confirmed at 11, with local officials fearing it could reach into the hundreds. Emergency services are struggling to assess the full extent of casualties and damage while launching clean-up operations across the islands, where entire neighborhoods have been flattened and essential services disrupted. French authorities have deployed rescue teams and established emergency shelters, while an air bridge to Reunion Island aims to facilitate relief efforts. Mayotte, which has a population of around 321,000, is heavily reliant on French financial assistance, contrasting with the political instability and poverty of its neighboring islands, the Comoros. This cyclone marks one of the worst natural disasters in Mayotte's history, with many residents expressing concern over their safety and livelihoods. The territory's socio-economic challenges, exacerbated by dependence on external aid, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive recovery strategies.