New Delhi, December 18 (UITV) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. Cyclone Chido caused massive devastation in Mayotte on December 13, causing massive losses. Prime Minister Modi expressed his condolences for this disaster on his X (formerly Twitter) handle and shared his prayers with the victims. He wrote that he is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the cyclone in Mayotte and his heart and prayers are with the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence in France’s reconstruction efforts during this disaster and said that he believes in the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron and hopes that France will overcome this tragedy with strength and determination. At the same time, he also said that India stands in full solidarity with France and is ready to provide all possible help in this difficult time.
President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude and respected PM Modi’s condolences and thanked him on social media, saying, “Dear Narendra Modi, thank you for your support.”
President Macron has expressed his condolences for this disaster and declared a national mourning. He also said that he will soon visit Mayotte and offer his help to the citizens, civil servants and emergency services there. President Macron said that this is the time to deal with the emergency situation and prepare for such disasters in the future. He also said, “This tragedy is disturbing us all and I declare a national mourning.”
Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte with winds of 200 kilometers per hour, making it the most powerful storm to hit the island. So far, 22 people have lost their lives and more than 1,400 people have been injured due to this storm. It is estimated that about 70 percent of the population has been affected by the storm. Homes, government buildings and a hospital have also suffered heavy damage due to this tragedy. Due to the devastation caused by cyclone Chido, Mayotte’s main airport has been closed for civilian flights and at present only military aircraft are flying for relief operations.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has expressed concern over the disappearance of more than 200 of its volunteers in Mayotte on Tuesday and on the social media platform X, the IFRC reported that the French overseas territory Mayotte has been badly affected by winds up to 220 km/h due to cyclone Chido. The organization said that more than 200 volunteers are feared missing in this disaster, who were engaged in relief work. Regarding this situation, the IFRC appealed for help and kept an eye on the situation.
France has immediately sent its army and rescue team after this disaster, as well as deployed medical personnel in the affected areas. The affected people are now standing in long queues outside grocery stores in search of water and essential supplies. As part of relief operations, life-saving materials and medical assistance are being provided to them.
Cyclone Chido was not limited to Mayotte only. This storm has also caused heavy damage to the neighboring country Madagascar. After this, the storm has also reached the coastal areas of Mozambique, although it has had the most severe impact on Mayotte.
India has also assured full support and cooperation to the government of France and Mayotte in this hour of crisis. Prime Minister Modi, while proposing all possible help from India, said that India stands with France and is ready to help in this difficult time.
France and India have close relations at this time and at such a time the need for cooperation and solidarity between the two countries increases even more. France’s reconstruction efforts to overcome the effects of cyclone Chido are getting support from the whole world.
