Cyclone Chido Ravages Mayotte: Thousands Feared Dead

Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, is grappling with unimaginable devastation after Cyclone Chido—the most powerful storm to hit the islands in nearly a century—tore through the region. With winds exceeding 200 kph (124 mph), the cyclone wreaked havoc on homes, infrastructure, and lives.

Francois-Xavier Bieuville, Mayotte’s prefect, shared grim predictions with local media, estimating “several hundred, possibly thousands” of fatalities. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences, calling the event a "horrific tragedy" as Mayotte mourns its dead and copes with widespread destruction.

The Aftermath

Cyclone Chido slammed into Mayotte overnight, leaving homes flattened, a hospital partially destroyed, and government buildings in ruins. In Mamoudzou, the island’s capital, Mohamed Ishmael likened the aftermath to a nuclear disaster, saying, “Entire neighborhoods have disappeared.”

Aerial footage revealed a haunting scene: debris from makeshift homes scattered across hillsides, police boats capsized along the coast, and uprooted coconut trees crashing into buildings. Distressing images captured families navigating hospital corridors in waist-deep floodwaters, cradling infants in soaked cribs.

Struggles to Account for Losses

Determining the full death toll remains a challenge. The French Interior Ministry cited difficulties in accounting for victims, especially with Mayotte's Islamic traditions requiring burial within 24 hours. The cyclone also raised concerns about access to food, water, and sanitation.

An air bridge from Reunion Island is being established to provide aid, but the logistical challenges of reaching the most affected areas complicate relief efforts.

A Crisis Exacerbated by Poverty

Mayotte, home to over 100,000 undocumented migrants, has long struggled with poverty, social unrest, and a lack of infrastructure. Over three-quarters of its population lives below the French poverty line. Earlier this year, the island faced severe water shortages, further exposing its vulnerabilities.

The cyclone’s destruction has highlighted the precarious living conditions of Mayotte’s residents, particularly those in informal settlements. Many of these communities consist of migrants from nearby Comoros, drawn by Mayotte’s higher standard of living and French welfare system.

Cyclone’s Reach Extends to Mozambique

After battering Mayotte, Cyclone Chido moved towards northern Mozambique, causing significant damage to power and telecommunications infrastructure. In neighboring Comoros, the storm displaced 24 people and destroyed 21 homes.

Historic Tragedy in a Troubled Region

Cyclone Chido is Mayotte’s worst storm in over 90 years, marking a grim chapter in the island's history. While its ties to France offer some resources for recovery, the road ahead will be long and fraught with challenges.

As the world watches, Mayotte’s resilience will be tested, and the support of international aid will be critical in helping this island recover from the catastrophic blow.

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