The French territory of Mayotte in the Indian ocean has been struck by a powerful cyclone, causing widespread devastation across the islands. The storm, which hit overnight, has left severe destruction. Early reports suggest significant loss of life, but the exact toll remains uncertain.
The French territory of Mayotte is reeling from the impact of Cyclone Chido, with local authorities estimating that the death toll could reach several hundred or even thousands. Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville spoke to local media on Sunday, describing the cyclone as the worst to hit the island in 90 years.
"The human toll is much higher than what we are able to report at this stage," Bieuville said. While the French Interior Ministry confirmed at least 11 fatalities and more than 250 injuries, the final numbers are expected to rise significantly as the destruction is fully assessed.
The tropical storm, which struck on Saturday, wreaked havoc on public infrastructure, causing severe damage to the airport, homes, and essential services. Many neighborhoods have been completely flattened, and widespread power outages continue to affect the region.
Mayotte, located in the southwestern Indian Ocean near Africa, is France's poorest territory, with a population of just over 300,000. The worst damage has been reported in the slums, where informal housing made from metal shacks bore the brunt of the storm. Bieuville emphasized that the current official death toll doesn't reflect the severity of the destruction in these areas.
Cyclone Chido, which passed through Mayotte after hitting the nearby islands of Comoros and Madagascar, brought winds exceeding 220 km/h (136 mph), making it a Category 4 storm, the second most intense classification.
France has deployed rescue teams and emergency supplies to assist the affected population, but recovery will be a long and difficult process.
Oil prices fell after the U.S. expanded economic sanctions on Iran, as Tehran vowed to retaliate and warned it had tools to respond, raising concer...
Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee has disclosed details of a criminal case involving former President R...
Britain and France have pledged stronger military support for Ukraine, including access to classified technology for Storm Shadow missile productio...
Iran on Saturday denounced U.S. plans to announce new sanctions that could put further strain on the Islamic Republic's economy and have an impact on its most important trading partners including China.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls for a wartime election, arguing that holding a vote while Russia's full-scale invasion continues would divide the country and undermine national unity.
Britain and France have pledged stronger military support for Ukraine, including access to classified technology for Storm Shadow missile production and faster deliveries of air defence missiles.
France and Saudi Arabia have agreed on plans for a $7 billion manga-themed amusement complex near Paris, inspired by the hugely popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 25th of August, covering the latest developments.
The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place for nearly five decades and marking a major step in Washington's efforts to rebuild relations with the country's new leadership.
The Trump administration has announced plans to revoke the temporary visitor visas of foreign nationals who entered the United States on tourist or business visas and later sought asylum, marking the latest expansion of Washington's immigration enforcement policies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment