France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte experienced its worst cyclone in nearly a century, resulting in at least 11 deaths. Cyclone Chido made landfall on Saturday with wind gusts reaching over 225 km/h (140 mph), causing widespread destruction and leaving many without electricity, water, and internet services.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged support, dispatching 250 firefighters and security personnel to the islands.
Local reports indicate at least 11 fatalities and 246 injuries, with a higher toll reported by AFP. The cyclone damaged Pamandzi airport’s control tower, and air traffic will initially resume with military aid planes.
Emergency services have been severely affected, with the emergency command centre evacuated. The storm is moving towards the Mozambique Channel, bringing heavy rain to Pemba city, and later to southern Malawi and Zimbabwe.
