Since Cyclone Chido, the French island of Mayotte in the Western Indian Ocean in December, the Air Charter service was busy arranging rented flights for humanitarian aid to the region, flying in more than 1000 tons so far, as flights continued.
With winds exceeding 220 km/h (136 miles per hour), the archipelago torn on Saturday, December 14, destroying the villages, and leaving thousands without shelter, water or electricity. Bin Denzal, Director of Governmental and Humanitarian Services at Air Charter Service, commented:
“The island’s infrastructure has been severely damaged, so most of our covenants flew to the nearby La Reunion, where the military boats moved to the final destination of Mott. The shipment that we used to take was a real mix of medicines, hygiene tools, tents, camps, sleeping bags, Batanications, generators, water, water purification tablets and rice.
“Most aid has, of course, came from France, but we have many covenants that leave from other parts of Europe as well. So far, we booked nearly 30 flights to the region, on a variety of aircraft including Antonov An-12S Airbus A321S, A300s, Boeing B737s, B777s and B747s.
“Unfortunately, the situation in Mayotte has worsened, as another tropical storm, a hurricane diclide, caused floods and clay collapses, due to heavy rains. We hope this is the last of them for them and the aid can reach those who need it.”
