SINGAPORE – In a heartfelt gesture, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his sympathies to French President Emmanuel Macron following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, a French overseas territory.

This disaster has left the region grappling with unimaginable loss and destruction.

In his letter dated December 21, Mr. Wong expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of life and extensive damage that Cyclone Chido inflicted on Mayotte, a territory with around 320,000 residents located 500 kilometers east of Mozambique. The region is notably France's poorest.

According to the official figures from Mozambique’s disaster management agency, the cyclone, which struck on December 14, had claimed the lives of 94 individuals as of December 22. Disturbing images reveal the extent of the devastation, showcasing homes with roofs ripped off and wreckage littering the landscape.

The capital city Mamoudzou has not been spared—reports indicate that a hospital there experienced significant damage, with windows shattered and doors torn from their hinges.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou referred to this calamity as possibly the worst natural disaster in centuries of French history, indicating the scale of the situation.

In a rapid response, President Macron visited the affected area on December 19, delivering vital supplies including four tons of food and health aid and deploying rescue workers to assist in recovery efforts.

Macron has pledged further support, including the deployment of 400 additional gendarmes to maintain security, amid a logistical operation to ensure continuous supplies of food and water reach the island by air and sea.

As the community of Mayotte begins to recover from this tragedy, international solidarity is crucial.

Prime Minister Wong’s message underscores the importance of support and compassion during such dire times, reminding us all of our shared humanity in the face of natural disasters.