Cyclone Chido caused damage in the Mayotte archipelago, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean, leaving several people dead, according to local authorities. as the storm roared towards the east coast of Africa.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said he would not yet provide the official number of deaths and injuries, as rescue teams were not yet able to assess the situation on the ground.
“We fear that the number of victims will be high, but I cannot provide figures yet,” Retailleau told reporters after an emergency meeting at the Interior Ministry in Paris. “The island looks devastated,” he added.
Chido brought winds exceeding 220 km/h, according to the French meteorological service, lifting the metal roofs of the houses, which have a population of just over 300,000 inhabitants, spread across two main islands that are around 800 kilometers away. of the African coast.
French Prime Minister, appointed on Friday (13), said public facilities were “severely damaged or destroyed”, including the town hall, hospital and airport. Bayrou added that many people living in irregular residences in the region face “very serious risks”.
The French president, , said he was closely monitoring the situation.
“Our island is being hit by the most violent and destructive cyclone since 1934. Many of us have lost everything,” Mayotte Mayor François-Xavier Bieuville said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
The mayor also said the high alert has been lifted so rescue teams can help after the worst of the cyclone has passed.
The French Interior Ministry said 1,600 police and police officers had been mobilized to “help the population and prevent possible looting.”
Around 110 rescue teams and firefighters were sent from France and Reunion Island have already been sent to the scene. This Sunday, another 140 people will be sent to help.
Considered the poorest island in France, Mayotte has already faced difficulties with droughts and a lack of investment.
Through a message on the social network X, French Transport Minister François Durovray said that Mayotte airport was “severely damaged, especially the control tower”.
He also added that the island’s infrastructure has been heavily affected and air traffic will only reopen to military aircraft for now. Ships are being used to deliver supplies.
According to Mayor Bieuville, Mayotte remains on red alert for the common population and people have been advised to “remain confined in solid shelter”. Only emergency and security services were allowed to leave.
