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December 16, 2024

Tropical Cyclone Chido Rips Through Mayotte, Thousands Feared Dead
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On the archipelago of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, hundreds, if not
thousands, of people are feared dead after the islands were devastated
by Tropical Cyclone Chido, the worst cyclone to hit the French territory
in at least 90 years. Residents have described the widespread
destruction as "apocalyptic," as the storm flattened entire
neighborhoods, destroyed hospitals and schools, and knocked out
electrical grids, leaving Mayotte in the dark for over 36 hours. Mayotte
authorities warn residents have already started to die "of thirst and
hunger," while emergency workers are scrambling to search for survivors.
Mayotte is one of the poorest French territories, with many residents
living in makeshift settlements. Chido made landfall Sunday in
Mozambique, where at least three people were killed.


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