Devastation struck the French territory of Mayotte on Saturday, December 15, 2023, as Cyclone Chido slammed the islands, leading to catastrophic losses with at least 11 confirmed deaths—a number expected to rapidly rise. Reports from local officials indicate the death toll could be as high as several hundred or even thousands, as the cyclone wreaked havoc across the impoverished islands.
According to François-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, the storm's impact is unprecedented, marking the worst cyclone to hit the region in nearly 90 years. "I think there will certainly be several hundreds, maybe we will reach a thousand, even several thousands," he stated. Efforts to assess the damage and account for victims have been complicated, particularly since many residents traditionally bury their dead within 24 hours—a practice rooted in local customs.
Initial reports suggest the cyclone was powerful, with wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph) as it tore through the islands, damaging homes and infrastructure. French officials have confirmed at least 246 individuals suffered injuries, with nine reported to be critically injured. Hospitals across Mayotte were overwhelmed, with the main medical facilities also sustaining damage.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity with the victims, stating, "My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte, who have gone through the most horrific few hours, and who have, for some, lost everything, lost their lives." Videos shared on social media by residents depict apocalyptic scenes, with neighborhoods destroyed, trees uprooted, and entire buildings flattened.
The response from the French government has been swift but challenging due to the cyclone’s devastation. An air and sea bridge is being established from Réunion, another French territory, to aid Mayotte. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced additional troops and crews would be dispatched to assist, highlighting the complexity of the situation due to severely damaged infrastructure. A first aid plane landed shortly after the storm with medical supplies, followed by another military aircraft to boost relief efforts.
UNICEF has warned of the impending humanitarian crisis, with many homes and health facilities at risk of destruction across northern Mozambique as the cyclone continued its path. The intense storm poses additional risks of flooding and landslides, complicates recovery efforts, and raises concerns about outbreaks of waterborne diseases, exacerbated by stagnant water pools left behind.
Chad Youyou, a local Hamjago resident, articulated the despair felt by many when he commented, "Mayotte is destroyed … we are destroyed," underscoring the human toll and emotional impact of the cyclone on those living through its aftermath. Eyewitness accounts from the islands reveal scenes of chaos and destruction, with many people struggling to navigate debris-filled streets.
Historically, Mayotte has been identified as the poorest French territory and one of the most impoverished areas of the European Union. With over three-quarters of its residents living below the French poverty line, Mayotte has faced multiple systematic issues, including inadequate access to clean water and persistent socio-economic challenges. This crisis brings back haunting memories of past cyclones like Idai and Freddy, which also caused immense suffering across the region.
International aid agencies are rallying to provide assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for resources to combat not only physical damage but also health crises expected to arise from the aftermath of Chido. The cyclone season, extending from December to March, has historically brought destruction to this region, yet the intensity of these weather events appears to be increasing, likely exacerbated by climate change. Local advocates have called on wealthier nations for immediate help and sustainable solutions to address the vulnerabilities facing Mayotte and surrounding countries.
While the cyclone has pushed to Mozambique, where it poses separate and new risks, the full extent of its devastation is still unclear. The United Nations and various humanitarian agencies have cited the need for coordinated relief efforts. With several nations reeling from the impacts, the situation highlights the interconnectedness of climate issues faced by underdeveloped countries and richer nations' responsibilities toward enhancing resiliency against such natural disasters.
