Image Credit: John Balloz

Mamoudzou, December 17 (RHC)-- 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.

The island of Mayotte is located at the entrance to the Mozambique Channel, 1,700 km from Réunion and 350 km from Madagascar.
 
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.

[ SOURCE:  DEMOCRACY NOW ]