Cyclone Chido has left the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte reeling, marking the most intense storm to strike the French territory in nearly 90 years. With winds surpassing 225 km/h (140 mph), the cyclone has resulted in significant destruction, at least 22 confirmed deaths, and thousands feared missing. This tragic event has sparked alarm over the increasing intensity of such storms, which climate scientists have linked to human-caused climate change.
Chido made landfall on Saturday, devastating neighborhoods and uprooting trees across the archipelago, which is one of France’s poorest territories. Reports suggest substantial infrastructural damage and public services knocked out, including hospitals and airports. Initially, the French government has confirmed 22 fatalities, with officials fearing the actual toll could be much higher. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated, "I cannot give a death toll because I don’t know. I fear the toll will be too heavy" (reported by BFMTV). A grave concern is the high number of undocumented migrants who lived in informal settlements, rendering them especially vulnerable.
Emergency response teams have been mobilized from France and nearby Reunion Island to aid rescue efforts. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou noted the urgency of the situation, indicating over 1,500 injuries have been reported, including more than 200 critically. “I have never seen a disaster of this magnitude on national soil,” Bayrou added, echoing the sentiments of many residents who experienced firsthand the devastation inflicted by Chido.
The cyclone’s fury did not end with Mayotte; it carving through the region also caused damage across northeastern Mozambique and Malawi, adding to the already staggering humanitarian crisis faced by Southern Africa this year. Reports indicate at least 45 fatalities have occurred due to Chido’s impact on Mozambique, with additional loss of life occurring in Malawi.
“It was like a steamroller which crushed everything,” explained teacher Nasrine, who noted the flattening of homes and infrastructure (reported by AFP). The cyclone’s winds were so fierce they tore apart flimsy sheet metal roofs and demolished houses constructed from the slightest materials. Residents like Ali Ahmidi Youssouf shared similar observations, stating, “Everyone is rushing to the stores for water.” The destruction of water systems and lack of access to clean drinking water remains one of the greatest public health threats after the storm.
Authorities have moved quickly to implement curfews to prevent looting amid the chaos. A nightly curfew from 10 pm to 4 am has been instituted to maintain order. Meanwhile, humanitarian efforts are underway, with the French government deploying food and supplies directly to those affected. An initial 120 tons of food and shiploads of water have begun distribution, aiming to alleviate some pressing needs. Macron, who has cut short his overseas commitments to visit Mayotte, asserted the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent action.
Critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of preventive measures and rapid responses to cyclones like Chido, highlighting the lack of early warning systems prevalent across much of Africa. Estimates by the World Meteorological Organization indicate Africa has just 37 radar stations compared to hundreds elsewhere, demonstrating a pressing need for improvement. Cyclone Chido has sparked dialogue around the necessity of bolstering infrastructure and response capabilities to protect vulnerable populations from future disasters.
Beyond the immediate communal and infrastructural destruction lies the intertwined question of climate change. With rising sea surface temperatures reaching historic highs—reported at approximately 29°C where Chido thrived—scientists have been clear about the trends associated with these changes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirms this pattern, as warmer oceans serve as the fuel for cyclones, meaning cyclones' destructive capacities grow stronger with every degree increase. "I fear the toll will be far too high," added Retailleau, recognizing the looming consequences of this formidable force within the changing climate.
Chido’s impact on Mayotte, Mozambique, and Malawi exemplifies not only the immediate humanitarian crisis but also serves as a somber reminder of the accelerating change surrounding our planet. With storms predicted to grow more intense, governments will have to face the uncomfortable truth of climate change and its effects on naturally vulnerable regions. Citizens and policymakers alike now brace for recovery efforts amid mourning those lost and possibly forgotten, amid societal unrest compounded by existing struggles.
With estimates of total losses and recovery complexity still being calculated, Mayotte’s recovery will undoubtedly shape its future socio-economic stability. Questions about the actual population remain vague, with estimates including potentially as many as 200,000 undocumented migrants residing on the islands. Early provisions for future storms must begin now, recognizing the foreboding future we face from these changing weather patterns.
