Before <a href="https://time.news/cyclone-chido-is-expected-to-touch-mayotte-at-the-end-of-the-night-and-unleash-damaging-and-even-destructive-winds/" title="Cyclone Chido is expected to touch Mayotte "at the end of the night" and unleash "damaging and even destructive winds"”>Cyclone Chido,which risks causing a very notable number of human victims,other natural events have cost the lives of hundreds or even thousands of people on French territory over the last century.
“Certainly several hundred dead, even a few thousand”. After Cyclone chido passed over Mayotte, the authorities already fear a heavy human toll, not to mention the material one. The island of the small archipelago in the Indian Ocean was devastated by the cyclone, the most intense to hit the territory for at least 90 years. This natural disaster risks being the most serious to hit French territory in recent decades. indeed, such a number of human fatalities had not been recorded from natural events since the late 1920s.Here are the five natural disasters that have caused the most deaths in France since the beginning of the 20th century.
1902: eruption of Mount Pelée in Martinique
On May 8, 1902, Mount Pelée in Martinique erupted, causing one of the deadliest volcanic disasters in history. As April, danger signals such as earthquakes and ash emissions have been alerting the population. However, authorities are downplaying the threat. A small eruption occurred on April 23, but Saint-Pierre, the main city, was not evacuated.worrying events have taken place since may 2, but in the midst of the election campaign the administration wanted the second round of elections, scheduled for May 11, to take place normally and the city was not evacuated.
On May 8, at 8:02 am, a cloud of fire, a mixture of burning gases, ash and molten rock, rushed down the slopes of the volcano at supersonic speed. In a few minutes Saint-pierre is destroyed and almost all the inhabitants die instantly.In the following days, rescue operations were hampered by debris and the risk of secondary eruptions. In total, the eruption caused 28,000 deaths, <a href="https://www.statistiques.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/edition-numerique/chiffres-cles-risques-naturels-2023/pdf/pages/partie1/partie1.pdf#:~:text=Si%20les%20inondations%20repr%C3%A9sentent%20les%20deux%20tiers%20des,%C3%A9ruption%20volcanique%20de%20la
On September 12, 1928, Guadeloupe was devastated by the Category 5 Hurricane okeechobee, with winds reaching 150 mph. Torrential rain and strong winds cause floods and landslides, destroying infrastructure and homes. Communications are cut, complicating rescue efforts.
The toll is heavy: around 1,200 deaths according to the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion,especially in Pointe-à-Pitre. The thousands of injured are also to be deplored. The material damage is extensive and affects roads, schools and crops. Rebuilding takes years, but the island is improving its warning systems to better prepare for future cyclones. This hurricane remains one of the deadliest in Guadeloupe’s history.
In March 1930, the flooding of the Tarn and other nearby rivers (especially the Aveyron and the Garonne) caused catastrophic flooding. On March 2,torrential rains swelled the rivers and on March 3 the waters overflowed,essentially flooding the towns of Montauban and Moissac (Tarn-et-Garonne).The inhabitants, surprised, saw their homes swept away by the waves, while others, less lucky, perished in the floods.
Relief efforts were organized on March 4, but the obstruction of the roads complicated the operations. it is indeed estimated that 200 people died in the catastrophe the following day, not counting the considerable material damage. The reconstruction, long and arduous, lasted several months and had a profound impact on the region.
1932/1948: two cyclones on the island of Réunion fifteen years apart
Two cyclones that hit the island of Réunion more than fifteen years apart cost the lives of 165 and 100 people respectively, according to data from the Ministry of Ecological transition. That of 26 January 1948 caused 165 deaths, while that of 4 February 1932 caused 100. The island is regularly hit by cyclones and volcanic eruptions.
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What measures can communities take to prepare for natural disasters like Cyclone Chido?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Natural Disaster Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Eloise Moreau, an esteemed specialist in natural disasters, to our Time.news platform. With the impending threat of Cyclone Chido and its devastating impact on Mayotte, we find it crucial to discuss the past context and implications of such events. Could you start by sharing your thoughts on Cyclone Chido and its potential human toll?
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me.cyclone Chido is indeed alarming. Experts estimate that we could see several hundred dead, perhaps even thousands, which would make this disaster the worst in modern French history, especially since fatality rates from natural disasters in France have drastically reduced over the last century. The cyclone’s intensity and the devastation it has already caused are unprecedented for this region.
editor: It’s staggering to think about the potential loss of life. You mentioned how this tragedy could be one of the most serious events since the late 1920s.What were some of the other major natural disasters in france’s history that have led to significant human casualties?
Dr.Moreau: France has faced several tragic events. As a notable example, the eruption of Mount Pelée in Martinique in 1902 resulted in approximately 30,000 deaths. This was an unusual tragedy that significantly affected the Caribbean region. We should also remember the 1970 storm in Vannes, which killed around 1,000 people, and the devastating floods of the Seine in 1910, which were catastrophic for the city of Paris and its inhabitants. Such incidents shed light on the severity of natural phenomena in our history.
Editor: It makes one realize how susceptible even developed regions can be to natural disasters. Why do you think the human toll has been so much lower in recent times compared to earlier disasters?
Dr.Moreau: There are several factors. First, improvements in forecasting and early warning systems have significantly enhanced our ability to prepare for natural disasters. Additionally,advancements in construction practices and urban planning have contributed to reducing vulnerability. Increased public awareness and better emergency response mechanisms play a vital role in saving lives as well. Though, climate change is a wild card that we must include in our risk assessment; it can intensify storms and alter weather patterns.
Editor: Speaking of climate change, Cyclone Chido might be indicative of a larger trend. How do you see climate change impacting the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters in the future, especially in vulnerable regions like Mayotte?
Dr. Moreau: Unfortunately, climate change is expected to increase both the frequency and intensity of cyclones.as ocean temperatures rise, the conditions that foster these storms become more prevalent. Islands like Mayotte,with their limited resources and infrastructure,may struggle to cope with these changes. It’s not just about the immediate impacts but also about adapting our strategies to mitigate future disasters.
Editor: That brings us back to the urgent need for awareness and preparedness. In facing these threats,what actions should be taken at both the governmental and community levels to better prepare for such natural disasters?
Dr. Moreau: It starts with comprehensive risk assessments to understand vulnerabilities specific to each region. Governments need to invest in updated infrastructure, implement better land-use practices, and ensure effective emergency response plans. At the community level, raising awareness and providing training for residents on emergency preparedness can save lives. Engagement in local disaster response initiatives also plays a vital role—communities should be empowered to respond effectively when disasters strike.
Editor: Dr. Moreau, it’s evident that both proactive measures and community involvement are essential in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today; they are especially relevant as we navigate the uncertainties posed by Cyclone Chido and future natural events.
Dr. moreau: Thank you for having me. staying informed and prepared is crucial. Let’s hope we can minimize the toll of such disasters through increased awareness and action.