Tropical Cyclone Chido Approaches Mozambique After Devastating Mayotte #

Powerful Storm Leaves Trail of Destruction in Indian Ocean #

Tropical Cyclone Chido, with sustained wind speeds of 132 miles per hour, was poised to make landfall in Mozambique. The storm, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane in the Atlantic, had already caused significant damage and loss of life in its path through the Indian Ocean.

Chido passed north of Madagascar before striking Mayotte, a French territory approximately 500 miles east of Mozambique. The cyclone’s impact on Mayotte was severe, resulting in multiple fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure, including the airport.

“The island seems devastated,” an official stated, highlighting the extent of the destruction. While the exact death toll remained uncertain, preliminary reports indicated that at least a few people had lost their lives.

Mayotte, comprising two main islands with a total area of about 145 square miles, is the most densely populated of France’s overseas territories. Its population of around 300,000 faced the full force of the cyclone.

As Chido moved away from Mayotte, the weather began to improve, though the territory remained under a red cyclone alert. Meanwhile, the French government mobilized to provide relief efforts to the affected area.

The cyclone’s approach towards Mozambique raised concerns about potential impacts on the East African coastline, as authorities braced for its landfall.