'Apocalyptic Scenes' in Mayotte, France as Cyclone Chido Leaves Thousands Dead

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:50pm on 16 Dec 2024,Monday Weather & Environment

Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte on December 14, 2024, causing "apocalyptic scenes," according to locals. With winds over 225 km/h, many poor areas with sheet-metal roofs were flattened. "It feels like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war," said resident Mohamed Ishmael. At least 20 people are confirmed dead, but the toll could rise to thousands, officials warn. Infrastructure is severely damaged, leaving 85% of the territory without power. "The images are apocalyptic. It's a disaster," said a nurse from Mamoudzou. Rescue workers are struggling due to impassable roads and downed power lines.

Read More at BBC

"People Dying of Thirst and Hunger": French Senator on Cyclone-Hit Mayotte, France

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:32am on 16 Dec 2024,Monday Weather & Environment

A French senator has raised alarm over the dire conditions in Mayotte following Cyclone Chido. "People are starting to die of thirst and hunger," said Senator Salama Ramia, speaking from a makeshift shelter. The cyclone, with wind speeds of 140mph, has devastated the island, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals. Many residents have been without water for three days, worsening an already severe drought. Authorities fear the death toll could reach several thousand as food and water shortages persist. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has arrived in Mayotte to assess the crisis and oversee relief efforts.

Read More at BBC

Delhi Enforces Strict Anti-Pollution Measures as AQI Hits 'Very Poor'

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:53am on 16 Dec 2024,Monday Weather & Environment

Delhi has implemented stricter anti-pollution measures as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed into the 'very poor' category. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) has been activated, banning non-essential construction and limiting vehicle emissions. Petrol vehicles failing BS-III norms and diesel vehicles under BS-IV standards are restricted in Delhi and surrounding areas. The cold wave, with temperatures dropping to 3.5°C, has worsened pollution levels. Diesel generators are allowed only in emergencies. Authorities hope the measures will reduce harmful air pollution affecting residents, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Cyclone Chido Kills Nearly 1,000 in Mayotte, France Leaves Widespread Damage

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:22am on 16 Dec 2024,Monday Weather & Environment

Cyclone Chido has killed close to 1,000 people in Mayotte, France, according to local officials. The storm, the strongest in over 90 years, caused severe damage, destroying homes, hospitals, and the main airport. Winds of 124 mph ripped through the island, flattening makeshift houses and leaving thousands homeless. President Emmanuel Macron expressed sorrow, calling the situation tragic. France has sent rescue teams, police, and aid to help survivors. Chido has also hit Mozambique, causing destruction and displacing many. UNICEF warned of potential health crises due to stagnant water. Experts link worsening cyclones to climate change, highlighting the need for global action.

Read More at Sky News

Delhi Shivers at 4.5°C; Cold Wave Grips North India, AQI Deteriorates

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:21am on 16 Dec 2024,Monday Weather & Environment

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5°C on Monday, intensifying the ongoing cold wave across North India. Certain areas, like Pusa, saw temperatures drop as low as 3.5°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold wave alerts for Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. Delhi’s air quality also worsened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 334, categorised as 'very poor.' Calm winds and high humidity contributed to both the biting cold and deteriorating air quality. Residents bundled up against the chill as more fog and colder conditions are expected in the coming days.

Read More at India Today

Cold Wave Grips North India, Dense Fog Expected in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:41pm on 15 Dec 2024,Sunday Weather & Environment

A cold wave continues to affect parts of northern India, with temperatures dropping sharply over the past 24 hours. Delhi recorded a low of 4.9°C, marking a 3°C dip. Faridkot in Punjab saw the region's lowest at 1°C, while Haryana's Hisar and Narnaul recorded 1.7°C and 3°C, respectively. Dense fog is expected to blanket Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Northeast India on December 16 and 17, reducing visibility. The cold wave is expected to persist until December 20 in various regions, including Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Frost conditions may also affect Madhya Pradesh.

Read More at India Today

Cyclone Chido Devastates French Territory of Mayotte; Nearly 1,000 Feared Dead

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:32pm on 15 Dec 2024,Sunday Weather & Environment

Cyclone Chido has left nearly 1,000 people feared dead in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, after winds exceeding 136 mph caused widespread destruction. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, and critical infrastructure, including the airport and hospital, was severely damaged. Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province also faced devastation, with homes, schools, and health facilities destroyed. UNICEF has called for urgent aid, warning of disrupted services. Malawi and Zimbabwe are preparing for potential flooding. The worsening intensity of cyclones underscores the impact of climate change, leaving vulnerable nations to face mounting humanitarian crises with insufficient global support.

Read More at Sky News

Mayotte Cyclone Leaves Hundreds Feared Dead; France Sends Aid

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:06pm on 15 Dec 2024,Sunday Weather & Environment

Cyclone Chido devastated France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, leaving hundreds feared dead, according to local officials. The cyclone, with wind speeds over 225 km/h, flattened communities and destroyed makeshift homes. Initial reports listed 11 fatalities, but authorities expect the toll to rise significantly. Tens of thousands are homeless, with electricity, water, and communication disrupted. France has deployed 250 rescue workers and emergency supplies. Pamandzi Airport sustained major damage, hindering relief efforts. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called the destruction “unprecedented since 1934.” The storm has intensified, causing further damage in Mozambique and threatening southern Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Read More at BBC

Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, France, Kills 14, Leaves Thousands Homeless

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:19pm on 15 Dec 2024,Sunday Weather & Environment

Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, killing 14 and injuring 255 people. The strongest storm in 90+ years destroyed shantytowns, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure, leaving over 15,000 homes without power. Hospitals, schools, and airports sustained severe damage. Rescue efforts are underway, with 160 soldiers and firefighters reinforcing the response. Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the devastation as "apocalyptic," noting it may take days to confirm the full toll. The cyclone later struck Mozambique, affecting communication and threatening 1.7M people across the region, as climate change continues to fuel extreme weather events.

Read More at NDTV

Delhi Records 4.9°C, Faces Third Cold Wave in a Week; AQI 'Poor' at 246

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:21am on 15 Dec 2024,Sunday Weather & Environment

Delhi shivered through a biting cold wave on Sunday as the minimum temperature dropped to 4.9°C, marking the city's third cold snap this week. Safdarjung recorded the sharpest dip of 3°C in 24 hours, while Palam reported 6.2°C. This follows Thursday’s season-low of 4.5°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued cold wave conditions across northern states, including Punjab and Haryana. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality worsened, with the AQI rising to 246 in the 'poor' category. Localities like Anand Vihar and Bawana recorded higher AQI levels, crossing 290. Shelter homes are seeing an influx as residents seek refuge from the chill.

Read More at India Today

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