More than 250 peopel were injured.Its extent is still fully unclear. The French overseas territory of Mayotte is located in the Indian Ocean between the southeast coast of Africa, Mozambique and the island state of Madagascar. Around 310,000 people live on the archipelago.
President Emmanuel Macron said in a meeting with Pope Francis on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica: “I want to think of our fellow citizens of Mayotte who have suffered the worst in the last few hours, and some of whom they lost everything.they lost their lives.”
“Chido” wreaked havoc in Mayotte. The hurricane destroyed all the precarious housing, said France’s acting Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau. He is expected in the overseas territory on Monday. Thousands of families were reported to be without power. There was also damage at the local airport. Roads were blocked and some areas were cut off. A flight carrying relief supplies arrived from the mainland on Sunday.
Mayotte has not experienced such a destructive cyclone in 90 years, the prefecture said on Facebook. “Many of us have lost everything.” Prefect Bieuville said 10,000 people were moved to 120 emergency shelters as a precaution becuase of the cyclone. Local authorities had encouraged people to seek shelter in solid housing and not to go outside due to the storm. According to the French weather service Météo France, wind gusts of more than 220 kilometers per hour swept across Mayotte on Saturday.
Cyclone Mozambique also hit mainland Africa on Sunday morning. The storm reached speeds of up to 240 kilometers per hour. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, it destroyed and damaged many houses, schools and health facilities in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. According to UNICEF, there is a “important impact” on the region. However, the extent of the destruction cannot yet be estimated. According to the Mozambican Center for Civil Protection,the power grid collapsed in Cabo Delgado and nearby Nampula province,making rescue work more difficult.
What are the long-term psychological impacts of natural disasters like Cyclone Chido on affected communities?
Interview with Dr. Antoine Leroux, disaster Management Expert, on the Recent Cyclone Impacting Mayotte and Its Broader Implications
Editor (Time.news): Dr. Leroux, thank you for joining us today. The recent cyclone, Chido, has caused critically important devastation in Mayotte, injuring over 250 people and leaving thousands without power.Can you provide us with an overview of the situation and its potential long-term impacts?
Dr. Antoine Leroux: Thank you for having me.The situation in Mayotte is indeed dire. Cyclone Chido has been described as one of the most destructive storms to hit the region in over 90 years. With wind gusts exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, this cyclone has destroyed precarious housing and rendered thousands of families homeless. the immediate long-term impacts include not only physical destruction but also psychological trauma for those affected, particularly as many have lost everything, including loved ones.
Editor (Time.news): President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences and concern for the citizens of Mayotte.What role does government response play in disaster management during such crises?
Dr. Antoine Leroux: Government response is crucial in any disaster scenario.Immediate actions, such as providing emergency shelters for the displaced—as was done with 10,000 people moved to 120 shelters—are essential for ensuring safety. Moreover, coordination with humanitarian organizations is vital for delivering food, medical supplies, and other essential services quickly. The psychological support for the victims shoudl not be overlooked, as many will experience trauma long after immediate physical needs are met.
Editor (Time.news): The cyclone also impacted Mozambique, reaching winds up to 240 kilometers per hour. How does this event highlight the interconnected nature of climate-related disasters in the region?
Dr. Antoine Leroux: It serves as a poignant reminder of how climate change exacerbates weather patterns, leading to more intense storms. The simultaneous occurrence of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte and its counterpart affecting mainland Africa showcases the regional vulnerability. Countries need to work collaboratively to enhance climate resilience, improve infrastructure, and prepare for future natural disasters. Additionally, the capacity to respond should factor in both meteorological data and social vulnerabilities.
Editor (Time.news): With the damage to local infrastructure such as roads and airports, what practical advice would you give to families and local authorities for future preparedness?
Dr. Antoine Leroux: First and foremost, families should have disaster preparedness plans in place, which include an emergency kit with essential supplies, a dialog plan, and understanding evacuation routes.Local authorities must invest in sustainable infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather. This includes not just building on solid foundations but also regular drills and community education about disaster readiness.Collaboration with NGOs for training and resources can enhance resilience significantly.
editor (Time.news): Given the potential for ongoing climate-related disasters, what industries or sectors should prioritize adaptation strategies in the wake of events like these?
Dr. Antoine Leroux: Several sectors need to prioritize adaptation strategies, including construction, agriculture, and public health. The construction industry should focus on developing resilient building designs that can withstand extreme weather. Agriculture must adopt sustainable practices, including crop diversity and soil management, to mitigate the impacts of floods and storms. Public health infrastructure must also be reinforced to manage the aftermath of disasters while ensuring community health systems can respond effectively.
Editor (Time.news): Thank you, Dr. Leroux,for your invaluable insights. Your expertise sheds light on the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate change and natural disasters.
Dr. Antoine Leroux: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to continue the dialogue on disaster management as communities worldwide face these increasing challenges.