Cyclone Chido: The most dangerous cyclone hits France’s Mayotte island after 90 years

Cyclone in Mayotte Island: Cyclone ‘Chido’ hit the Mayotte island group in the Indian Ocean of France on Saturday (December 14), causing massive devastation in the area. The cyclone brought winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph) to the French part of the island, home to a largely impoverished area. This cyclone destroyed everything in the island area. According to France TV report, hundreds of people died in this disaster. ‘I think hundreds of people have been killed, perhaps the number could be around a thousand or even thousands,’ the official said on TV channel Mayotte L’Ariere.

The worst cyclonic storm in 90 years

Saturday’s storm is the worst cyclone to hit Mayotte in 90 years. French President Emmanuel Macron said, ‘My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte, who have endured the most horrific few hours. Some people have lost everything, lost their lives.

Mayotte, located in the south-eastern Indian Ocean, is the poorest region of France and the European Union. The number of illegal immigrants in this area is very high. At the same time, more than 75 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

Incorrect data of residents is causing problems

An official said that it is very difficult to ascertain the exact number of deaths and injuries due to lack of accurate data of residents due to Saturday’s cyclone. Due to this, there has been huge damage to public infrastructure including the airport, many other areas have also been destroyed and power supply has come to a standstill. The Home Ministry on Sunday confirmed at least 11 deaths and more than 250 injuries, but said the number was likely to rise significantly.