PM Modi condoles cyclone Chido devastation in Mayotte, offers relief assistance

Cyclone Chido, with winds reaching up to 200 km/h, devastated the island of Mayotte and its surrounding archipelago on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 22 people and injuring more than 1,400.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Tuesday, stating he was "deeply saddened" by the destruction caused by the cyclone in the French overseas territory of Mayotte, near Madagascar.

In a message posted on X, PM Modi said, "Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I am confident that under President @EmmanuelMacron’s leadership, France will overcome this tragedy with resilience and resolve. India stands in solidarity with France and is ready to extend all possible assistance."

Latest Updates on Cyclone Chido

The cyclone, with winds up to 200 km/h, struck Mayotte and its surrounding archipelago on Sunday, killing 22 people and injuring over 1,400. Authorities fear more fatalities as large parts of the island remain under rubble and roads are blocked, according to AFP.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the territory as “completely devastated,” with 70% of the inhabitants affected. He announced the deployment of 400 additional paramilitary personnel to assist the 1,600 already on the ground for relief and rehabilitation efforts.

France has imposed a nighttime curfew starting Friday, from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM local time, to prevent looting and the spread of diseases. Approximately one-third of Mayotte's population lives in poverty and lacks safe housing.

President Emmanuel Macron termed the situation a “tragedy” during a crisis meeting on Monday night and promised to visit Mayotte soon.

The French government aims to restore 50% of the water supply within 48 hours. An additional 20 tonnes of food and water are expected to arrive on Tuesday.

In neighboring Mozambique, at least 34 people were killed, and more than 300 were injured as the cyclone caused heavy rainfall, with around 250 millimeters (10 inches) falling within 24 hours, reported the country's National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management.

Cyclone Chido is the strongest storm to hit the archipelago in over 90 years. Experts attribute the increased strength of such cyclones to warmer oceans and warn of more global calamities if climate change continues unchecked.