Devastation from Cyclone Chido has grimly struck Mayotte, marking one of the worst natural disasters in the region's history. According to reports from various sources, the cyclone, which made landfall on Saturday, December 14, 2024, produced wind gusts exceeding 220 km/h, leaving destruction across the island.
At least two fatalities have been confirmed, both occurring on the island of Petite-Terre. This alarming toll has prompted local officials to mobilize maximum resources to deal with the situation. The Prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville, stated, “The cyclone is the most violent and destructive we have known since 1934.” The infrastructure has been decimated, with extensive damage reported across both Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre.
Bruno Retailleau, the Minister of the Interior, has indicated the need for urgent assistance, remarking, “The situation is catastrophic.” Rescue operations were halted by powerful winds, and the remote nature of the island has hampered communications significantly, making it hard to gauge the full extent of the damage.
Residents have taken to social media to share their harrowing experiences. Ibrahim, who works at the main hospital, described the chaos stating, “It was like living through the end of the world,” as images surfaced showing roofs torn from buildings and entire neighborhoods rendered unrecognizable.
Mayotte, listed as the poorest department of France, has seen approximately 15,000 homes left without power, exacerbated by the cyclone's fierce gusts which have toppled trees and downed electrical poles. The devastation led to the airport shutting down operations indefinitely, severely limiting rescue and relief number.
Despite the cyclone being downgraded to alert level red from the more severe purple, officials warn, “The cyclone is not over.” Constant vigilance is required, and the Prefect has called on the population to stay indoors to safeguard against potential aftereffects of the storm.
Prime Minister François Bayrou is leading efforts to coordinate relief from Paris, promising resources and personnel to assist recovery as they assess the situation. During his address, Bayrou reaffirmed France’s commitment to support the island, stating, “We will be there today as well as tomorrow.”
Local leaders have joined calls for significant aid. Madi Madi Souf, President of the Association of Mayors, expressed, “Many of us have lost everything. Help is needed now.” He highlighted the plight of the island’s residents, particularly those living in informal settlements, who accounted for many of the losses.
Images captured show the island's residents barricaded within their homes, coming to terms with the devastation outside. The aftermath of Cyclone Chido is reminiscent of the struggles faced during previous natural disasters, evoking historical storms, yet the scale of this calamity is unprecedented.
Compounding the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, over 1,600 police and gendarmes are being deployed to maintain order as fears of looting grow amid the chaos of the cyclone’s aftermath. The government is working quickly to create safe spaces as shelters and aid centers are established for those affected.
Embattled residents remain hopeful, albeit anxious, facilitating community efforts to share resources and information. “It is time for us to stay united and strong,” declared Fatima, underscoring the spirits of resilience among her neighbors.
The days following the cyclone will be pivotal for Mayotte, as recovery efforts intensify. The road to restoring normalcy will demand concerted efforts from governmental and non-governmental organizations alike.
Attention now turns to the evaluation of damages and the secure delivery of food and medical supplies to communities left devastated by Cyclone Chido. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, extended his condolences and support to the people of Mayotte, assuring them, “The country stands with you.” He emphasized the urgent nature of the operation, calling for rapid, effective responses to those affected.
While the winds of the cyclone have passed, the true scope of the challenge lies just beginning for the residents of Mayotte. With courageous resolve, the community faces these trying conditions, aiming to rebuild from the wreckage of one of the most violent storms to strike their home.
