Tragic discovery: two bodies recovered from capsized fishing vessel
- Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mayotte on December 14, causing severe destruction to towns and infrastructure.
- Hundreds, potentially thousands, of casualties are feared due to the cyclone's extensive impact.
- Rescue operations face logistical issues due to damage and the urgency of providing aid to the affected residents.
On December 14, 2024, Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, the impoverished French Indian Ocean territory, resulting in catastrophic damage. The cyclone, described as the worst to hit the region in nearly a century, uprooted trees, dismantled houses, and severely compromised infrastructure. Reports indicate that numerous residents are missing or unaccounted for, with estimates suggesting that the death toll could reach hundreds, possibly even thousands. Given local customs, most victims—predominantly Muslim—are buried within 24 hours, complicating the collection of accurate casualty figures. In the aftermath of the storm, rescue teams were mobilized, but their efforts faced significant challenges due to the extensive damage. Airports in the region were reported to be severely affected, resulting in difficulties in transporting medical supplies and personnel. Authorities dispatched approximately 160 soldiers and firefighters to assist the already deployed rescue teams. More than 80 tons of supplies were on their way to the islands by air and sea, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The cyclone's impact extended beyond human casualties, inflicting damage on clean water supplies, electricity distribution, and vital infrastructure that the impoverished territory struggles to maintain. Local officials pointed to