Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Mayotte, resulting in catastrophic destruction and a worrying increase in the death toll, which officials have cautioned could rise to “several hundred” or even into the thousands. This storm, characterized by winds surpassing 220 km/h, struck the French Indian Ocean territory last Saturday, marking it as the most devastating storm to affect Mayotte since the 1930s.
In response to the disaster, the interior minister of Mayotte has indicated that determining the full human toll will require extensive time and effort. French authorities have mobilized over 1,600 police officers and gendarmes to assist in the aftermath. Additionally, 250 rescuers and emergency personnel are being dispatched from mainland France and the nearby island of Réunion to support relief efforts.
Home to around 300,000 residents, Mayotte is considered the poorest territory in the European Union, with a significant portion of its population living in informal slum conditions, many of which have now been destroyed. Survivors have reported seeing entire neighborhoods flattened, as well as uprooted trees and damaged boats. Critical infrastructure has been heavily impacted, including the main airport, hospital, electrical grids, and water systems. Access for relief efforts is currently restricted, as only military aircraft can land.
Complicating matters, Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville noted that the presence of undocumented migrants and cultural practices regarding burial within 24 hours add challenges to accurately assessing casualty figures.
During a visit to Corsica, Pope Francis expressed his condolences and prayers for the victims, emphasizing the need for international solidarity, stating, “I am spiritually close to those who have been affected by this tragedy.”
Cyclone Chido not only devastated Mayotte but also impacted the Comoros Islands and Madagascar before heading towards Mozambique, where it caused significant destruction in Cabo Delgado province. UNICEF has reported that nearly two million people now require urgent assistance as a result of these events.
Despite its diminished strength, Cyclone Chido is still a threat, with Malawi and Zimbabwe preparing for potential flooding and evacuations.
As rescue operations continue, Mayotte is in dire need of support to aid its survivors and to fully understand the scope of this tragic disaster.
This situation is a reminder of the resilience of communities in the face of overwhelming adversity. As aid efforts ramp up, there is hope that international support will flood in to help restore safety and stability to the affected regions.