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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has expressed deep sympathy and support for the people of the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, who are reeling from the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido.

The cyclone, described as one of the most destructive storms to hit the region in nearly a century, brought ferocious winds exceeding 225 km/h.

The aftermath has been catastrophic, with entire neighborhoods flattened, homes destroyed, and countless families displaced.

Infrastructure, including communication and power lines, has been severely affected, leaving residents in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

Mudavadi’s message

Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Mudavadi conveyed a heartfelt message of solidarity on behalf of the Kenyan people.

“The people of Kenya stand in solidarity with the resilient community of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean as they face the aftermath of one of the most devastating storms in nearly a century. Cyclone Chido’s ferocious winds, exceeding 225 km/h, left a trail of destruction, flattening homes and causing immense hardship.

“This tragedy touches all of us deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Mayotte,” Mudavadi stated.

Mudavadi further extended thoughts and prayers to the people of Mayotte, urging them to remain steadfast as they navigate the difficult process of recovery.

“May they find the strength and courage to rebuild and heal during this challenging time,” he added.

The people of Kenya stand in solidarity with the resilient community of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, as they face the aftermath of one of the most devastating storms in nearly a century.

Cyclone Chido’s ferocious winds, exceeding 225 km/h, left a trail of destruction, flattening…

— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) December 17, 2024

Cyclone Chido hits Mayotte

France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte was over the weekend struck by the worst cyclone to hit the islands in nearly a century.

Located northwest of Madagascar, Mayotte is an archipelago comprised of one main island, Grand-Terre, and several smaller ones.

Most of the island’s 300,000 or so inhabitants live in shacks with sheet metal roofs, and tens of thousands of people have lost their homes.

Hundreds are also feared dead following the cyclone, with at least 20 having already been confirmed dead.

Rescue workers, including reinforcements from France, are combing through the debris searching for survivors. 

French President Emmanuel Macron said he will declare a national day of mourning in light of ‘this tragedy, which has shaken each and every one of us’.

Authorities said they were having difficulty establishing the number of deaths due to the large number of undocumented migrants – over 100,000 – in a population of 320,000.

Widespread damage to infrastructure – with downed power lines and impassable roads – is severely hindering emergency operations.