Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte with Record-Breaking Winds

The French Indian Ocean territory faces catastrophic damage, widespread power outages, and disrupted emergency services as the strongest cyclone in 90 years moves away.

Cyclone Chido, with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h, caused severe destruction across Mayotte, marking the most violent storm to hit the territory since 1934.
Over 15,000 homes are without electricity, and communication networks have been severely disrupted, leaving many residents isolated.
The cyclone's impact has been particularly devastating for Mayotte's vulnerable populations, with informal housing areas heavily affected.
Emergency responders faced challenges due to earlier confinement under a violet alert, though efforts to assess and address damage are now underway as the alert level has been reduced to red.
French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron, have pledged reinforcements and urgent aid to support recovery efforts in the aftermath of the storm.