The devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido on the small island of Mayotte has raised alarms about potential casualties on an unprecedented scale. The cyclone, which struck on Saturday with ferocious winds exceeding 225 kilometers per hour, has left the French overseas territory reeling, with officials estimating fatalities could reach numbers ranging from hundreds to potentially thousands.
According to local authorities, the cyclone has resulted in significant destruction across Mayotte, where most of the population lives below the poverty line. Currently, 14 deaths have been confirmed, but Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville warned, "Creo que seguramente habrá varios centenares, quizá lleguemos a mil, incluso a varios miles," indicating the toll could rise as recovery efforts progress. The island, with around 321,000 inhabitants, has never faced such destructive forces; Chido is reported as the most severe cyclone to hit the region in 90 years.
Residents describe the aftermath as resembling "escenas apocalípticas" (apocalyptic scenes), with entire neighborhoods swept away, roofs torn off buildings, and transportation rendered nearly impossible. Mohamed Ishmael, who witnessed the destruction near Mamoudzou, said, "Sinceramente, lo que estamos vivendo es una tragedia, te sientes como si estuvieras en las secuelas de una guerra nuclear... Vi desaparecer un barrio entero." He expressed disbelief at surviving the storm, emphasizing the scale of devastation around him.
The situation is complicated by the unique demographic challenges posed by Mayotte; over 100,000 undocumented immigrants live on the island, many of whom reside in makeshift housing vulnerable to such natural disasters. This factor hinders accurate casualty assessments as the traditional Islamic practice of burying the dead within 24 hours means numbers may remain unreported for some time. John Balloz, another resident, lamented the dire conditions, stating, "No hay mucho que la gente pueda hacer... está esperando ayuda para comer, para que vuelva la electricidad, y el agua también, no hay agua corriente." His statement encapsulates the urgent need for immediate assistance.
The French government is responding to the crisis with urgency. President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation, expressing sorrow for the suffering endured by the islanders. "Mis pensamientos están con nuestros compatriotas en Mayotte, que han pasado las horas más horribles y que, algunos, lo han perdido todo, han perdido la vida," he stated. The French cabinet has since initiated emergency measures, including sending around 800 police officers and emergency responders to assist with recovery efforts.
Emergency provisions are being rapidly deployed, with the establishment of airlifts to deliver supplies and aid. The first emergency flight landed at the Mamoudzou airport on Sunday, carrying essentials and serving as a coordination hub for subsequent relief efforts. Meanwhile, the local healthcare infrastructure has been severely compromised, with reports indicating the hospital has suffered extensive damage, affecting 70% of its services. Critical patients are being evacuated to Reunion Island just to receive proper care.
Despite international humanitarian aid efforts, distressing reports have started to surface about looting and the breakdown of public order amid the chaos. Local senator Salama Ramia has voiced concerns about food shortages, stating, "Hay gente que no ha comido ni bebido nada desde el sábado," underscoring the urgent needs of the displaced population.
Further complicate matters is the historical poverty endured by Mayotte. Since its annexation by France after colonial rule was established, this small island territory has struggled with systemic economic difficulties. Approximately 75% of Mayotte’s population lives beneath the poverty threshold, and incidents like this cyclone expose the fragility of the island’s socio-economic conditions.
Finally, as Cyclone Chido continues on its path, having already impacted Mozambique before dissipitating, it raises larger questions about climate change, which many experts blame for exacerbated weather patterns. Meteorologist François Gourand remarked on how exceptionally warm ocean waters have contributed to the cyclone's intensity, prompting serious discussions about future natural disaster preparedness.
The looming humanitarian crisis, marked by the urgency of reestablishing order and safety on Mayotte, presents immense challenges for the community as efforts continue to address both immediate and long-term recovery needs. With calls for widespread support, and the President leading crisis management, the depth of Chido’s impact highlights the resilience required to rebound from such unparalleled devastation. Authorities maintain the hope for future recovery and effective aid distribution as they navigate this crisis.
