A super typhoon has struck Mayotte Island, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. Foreign media report that the local governor has stated that the disaster may have caused thousands of deaths.
According to major foreign media including the British BBC on the 15th (local time), severe damage occurred in residential areas of Mayotte Island due to Cyclone 'Chido,' which brought strong winds reaching up to 225 km/h and heavy rain the previous night. The Mozambique meteorological authorities announced that Cyclone Chido made landfall around 40 km south of Pemba, Mozambique, early that morning, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rain.
This is the first time in 90 years that such a super typhoon has struck Mayotte Island. A local resident told foreign media that they saw Cyclone Chido sweep through the entire neighborhood, testifying, "It was a tragic feeling like witnessing the aftermath of a nuclear war."
BBC explained that rescue teams from mainland France have arrived on Mayotte Island and begun search and rescue operations, but in some areas, rescue efforts have not yet been carried out. Fran?ois Xavier Bieuville, governor of Mayotte Island, expressed concern that the death toll could reach hundreds or possibly thousands due to this disaster.
In particular, the damage to temporary housing where immigrants who came to apply for asylum in France were staying was severe. According to the French Ministry of the Interior, more than 100,000 immigrants reside on Mayotte Island. Local infrastructure such as schools and medical facilities has also been closed.
Mayotte Island, located in the Comoros archipelago east of Africa, has long suffered from poverty, unemployment, and political instability. It heavily depends on financial support from France. Among its population of 320,000, 75% live below the poverty line, and the unemployment rate reaches one-third.
Bruno Le Maire, French Minister of the Interior, who is scheduled to visit Mayotte Island, said he would strengthen efforts to assist local residents. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences, saying, "I send my thoughts to our compatriots in Mayotte."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
