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

Cyclone Chido with, winds up to 200 km/h, hit Mayotte island and surrounding archipelago on Sunday; 22 killed, more than 1,400 injured.

Updated on: Dec 17, 2024, 17:15:13 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was “deeply saddened” by the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in the French overseas island territory of Mayotte near Madagascar.

This handout photograph taken and released by the French Securite Civile shows destroyed housing in Combani, on the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, after the cyclone Chido hit the archipelago. (AFP)

He also said that India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.

“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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Latest updates on Cyclone Chido

-22 people have been killed and over 1,400 have been injured in Mayotte after the cyclone, with winds up to 200 km/h, hit the island and surrounding archipelago on Sunday. Authorities fear that more people might be dead as major parts of the island remain under rubble and roads remain blocked, news agency AFP reported.

-French interior minister Bruno Retailleau said the territory has been “completely devastated” as the calamity affected 70% of the inhabitants. He also announced the deployment of 400 additional paramilitary personnel to assist 1,600 personnel already present to carry out relief and rehabilitation.

Also read | French military aid starts to arrive in cyclone-battered Mayotte

-France decided to impose a nighttime curfew starting Friday. Restrictions will be enforced from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am local time as a security measure to prevent looting and the spread of diseases. One-third of Mayotte's population is estimated to live in poverty and lack safe housing.

-French President Emmanuel Macron described the situation as a “tragedy” during a crisis meeting on Monday night. He also promised to visit Mayotte in the coming days.

-The French government said it expects to restore 50% of water supplies in 48 hours. Twenty more tonnes of food and water will start arriving on Tuesday.

-At least 34 people have been killed in neighbouring Mozambique. More than 300 people were injured when the cyclone hit the coast, leading to heavy rainfall of around 250 millimetres (10 inches) in 24 hours, the country's National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management said on Tuesday.

-Cyclone Chido is the strongest to hit the archipelago in over 90 years. Experts told AFP that stronger cyclones result from warmer oceans and warned of more global calamities if global warming continues unabated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Check India news real-time updates, latest news on Hindustan Times and more across India.