Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Mayotte, leading to extensive destruction and a rising death toll that officials fear could reach into the hundreds or even thousands. This cyclone, packing winds over 220 km/h, struck the French Indian Ocean territory last Saturday, marking it as the most devastating storm to impact Mayotte since the 1930s.
In efforts to provide relief, French authorities have mobilized over 1,600 police and gendarmes to assist affected residents. Additionally, 250 rescuers and emergency personnel are being dispatched from mainland France and the nearby island of Réunion. The interior minister of Mayotte has cautioned that it may take significant time to determine the full extent of the human toll due to various complexities, including the region’s high population of undocumented migrants and the local practice of timely burials.
Mayotte, home to around 300,000 people, is recognized as the European Union’s poorest territory, where a significant portion of the population lives in makeshift housing that has now been largely destroyed. Accounts from residents depict scenes of entire neighborhoods flattened, uprooted trees, and overturned boats. Critical infrastructure such as the main airport, hospital, and utility services for electricity and water have sustained extensive damage, complicating relief efforts as only military aircraft can currently land on the island.
Pope Francis, during a visit to Corsica, expressed his solidarity with the victims and called for international support, underscoring the need for a global response to such disasters.
Cyclone Chido has also impacted the Comoros Islands and Madagascar before heading toward Mozambique, where severe damage has been reported in Cabo Delgado province. UNICEF has indicated that the situation is dire, with two million individuals needing immediate assistance.
Although Cyclone Chido is losing strength, it still poses risks, particularly for Malawi and Zimbabwe, which are preparing for potential flooding and evacuations. As Mayotte grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the urgent need for support and assistance remains paramount as rescuers continue their efforts to help survivors and gauge the full impact of the cyclone.
In times of calamity, community resilience shines through, and the international response will be crucial in helping Mayotte recover from this unprecedented event.