The inhabitants of Mayotte are preparing for the passage of Chido, an intense tropical cyclone that is preparing to sweep away, Saturday, December 14, early in the morning, the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, put on red alert. “This is a serious time. Such a situation has never happened to Mayotte”declared the president of the departmental council, Ben Issa Ousseni, on friday.
In the middle of the night (local time), the cyclone was about 140 kilometers northeast of Mayotte according to the latest bulletin from Météo-France. Should be contacted “end of the night” Mayotte and release “damaging or even destructive winds”. The red alert came into affect at 10 pm (8 pm in Paris) for the archipelago. In its bulletin, Méteo-France points out that Chido suffered “a slight drop in intensity recently” but that he should remain at a “important severity” during the “next 36 hours”.
At the end of the night from Friday to Saturday, Météo-France forecasts in Mayotte “very heavy rain and possible inundation”caused by weather conditions “danger of run-off and flooding, and sea swell that could have a significant impact on the coast”stated the rector of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville. “This is an unprecedented event,extremely violent,winds could exceed 180 km/h”he emphasized during a press conference. Météo-France emphasizes that“an betterment is expected from Saturday ultimately”.
At the same time as the red alert, traffic was prohibited on the public roads of the two islands, Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, and Dzaoudzi airport was closed at 8 pm (6 pm in Paris). the Regional Health Agency (ARS) asks patients “don’t travel just call 15”and that adds to it “Medical resources have been strengthened to care for the injured or sick”.
A third of the population was particularly threatened
The local prefecture, the social network “confined in a solid dwelling, with a suitable stock of water and food available”. For those who live in precarious housing, many in the poorest department in France, the rector suggested entering one of the 71 accommodation centers. “open to all” in schools and gyms.
The priority concerns are the approximately 100,000 people who live in “unredeemed premises” which the authorities identified, out of a total population estimated at 320,000 inhabitants in the archipelago.In addition to broadcasting an SMS alert by the authorities, “the city police went to every village”declared as the prefect, especially in neighborhoods that are difficult to access.
“The priority is keeping people safe”ensuring the mayor of Chiconi,madi Ousseni Mohamadi,who is preparing the college in his commune – closed on Friday and Saturday like all educational institutions in the archipelago – to welcome the population.The mayor of this town bordering the coast has also deployed agents “Clear the roadside of elements that could fly away and cause damage”like car wrecks.
110 civil security professionals sent from Reunion Island
Outgoing Interior Minister bruno Retailleau took part in a situation update at the inter-ministerial crisis management operational center in Paris, confirming the dispatch of 110 civil security professionals from Reunion island to Mayotte. “I ask the public to comply with the instructions of the authorities”he wrote on
In the neighboring Comoros Islands, an orange level cyclone warning has been activated. The General Directorate of Civil Security ordered the closure of airports from 6 pm (4 pm in Paris) “due to extreme conditions”. In Madagascar, the eye of the cyclone came about a hundred kilometers north of the island and caused rain “plenty in the afternoon” and also a “strong wind” before walking out, according to authorities.
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What are the expected impacts of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte’s infrastructure and residents?
Time.news Interview: Preparing for Cyclone Chido
Editor: Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re here to discuss the serious situation unfolding in mayotte as residents brace for Cyclone Chido. With us is Dr. Safia Menard, a climatologist and expert in tropical storms. Thank you for joining us, Dr.Menard.
Dr. Menard: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, especially given the unprecedented nature of this cyclone.
Editor: Indeed, Cyclone Chido is already being described as intense, with the president of the departmental council stating, “this is a serious time” for Mayotte. What makes Chido so significant compared to past storms in the region?
Dr. Menard: Cyclone Chido is significant as of its projected wind speeds and the potential for damaging impacts that have not been previously experienced in Mayotte. The fact that it has reached red alert status indicates the severity of the situation. Many residents are facing their first encounter with such an intense cyclone.
Editor: That brings up an important point about preparation. Earlier this week, civil security personnel where dispatched to provide information to displaced residents at Combani collage. What are the best practices regarding preparedness during such a cyclone?
Dr. Menard: The best practices include securing property, having an emergency kit ready that contains essentials like food, water, medications, and critically important documents, and establishing a dialog plan with family members. It’s also critical to heed local authorities’ warnings and evacuate when advised.
Editor: Météo-France has reported that even though Chido has experienced a slight drop in intensity, it is indeed still expected to deliver damaging winds and heavy rainfall with potential flooding. How do thes conditions pose a risk to the inhabitants of mayotte?
Dr.Menard: The combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall can lead to several hazards. Damaging winds can uproot trees and damage buildings, while torrential rain increases the risk of flooding. Given Mayotte’s geography, which includes sloped areas, there’s also a concern about mudslides and runoff. Communities shoudl be vigilant and prepared for swift evacuations if necessary.
Editor: François-Xavier Bieuville,the rector of Mayotte mentioned potential inundation and significant impacts on the coast. what measures can communities take to protect coastal areas from such phenomena?
Dr. Menard: Coastal communities can implement protective measures such as creating natural barriers using vegetation, maintaining proper drainage systems to allow for water runoff, and educating people about the risks of storm surges. while no measure can guarantee complete safety, being proactive can mitigate some of the impacts.
Editor: Given the circumstances, it seems that community solidarity and support will be crucial in the coming days. What role does community engagement play in disaster preparedness and response?
Dr. Menard: Community engagement is vital. It fosters a sense of collective obligation where residents look out for one another, especially the vulnerable. Information sharing can enhance preparedness levels, and organized community efforts can ensure that everyone has access to necessary resources, support, and safe shelter.
Editor: As we look ahead, what message do you have for the residents of Mayotte as they face Cyclone Chido?
Dr. Menard: I urge everyone to stay informed, follow instructions from authorities, and take the necessary precautions seriously. It’s a critical time, and while this storm poses real risks, thorough preparation and community support can make a significant difference in minimizing the impacts. Stay safe and keep in touch with your neighbors.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Menard, for your insights and guidance during this challenging time. We hope the residents of Mayotte remain safe through Cyclone Chido.
Dr. Menard: Thank you for having me, and I share those hopes for the community.
editor: That’s all for this interview on Time.news. Stay tuned for updates on Cyclone Chido and other news from around the globe.