On Saturday, Mayotte, the French island territory located off the east coast of Africa, faced one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history as Cyclone Chido struck with unrelenting ferocity. The cyclone reached wind speeds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph), leading to catastrophic destruction across the archipelago. Families are now expressing feelings of helplessness as they navigate the aftermath of this disaster.
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit the island, joining other authorities who are rushing aid to the region, which is struggling to recover from the cyclone's impact. According to reports, aid totaling 180 tons is expected to arrive via navy ships and military aircraft, addressing immediate needs for food and water.
The cyclone has rendered entire neighborhoods uninhabitable, especially affecting informal settlements where many residents lived under precarious conditions. Survivors of the cyclone described chaotic scenes, including hasty burials of the deceased and overwhelming stench as recovery efforts continue.
The disaster has raised significant fears about the possible death toll, as estimates range from hundreds to potentially thousands of casualties. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau admitted, "I have never seen a disaster of this magnitude on national soil," reiteration the colossal damage inflicted upon Mayotte.
The scale of the disaster brings to light the challenges the island faces as it seeks to provide relief. Even prior to the cyclone, Mayotte was already the poorest territory of France, with about 75% of its population living below the poverty line. Many locals have accused the French government of neglect over the years, with infrastructure and resources insufficient even before such catastrophic events.
Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq has raised alarms about the risks of disease outbreaks, particularly cholera, as clean drinking water becomes increasingly scarce. Local residents are now relying on contaminated water sources, which could exacerbate health crises. "We are also afraid of disease outbreaks, because people are drinking water from wherever they can get it," said Anrafa Parassouramin, highlighting the dire situation facing families.
Meanwhile, telecommunications and electricity services have been significantly impacted, leaving much of the island without communications and basic utilities. The main hospital was severely damaged, leading to calls for additional medical support. A field hospital is expected to be operational soon, improving health services which are currently stretched thin.
French military and rescue teams have mobilized quickly but face challenges accessing some regions cut off by the storm due to debris and destroyed roads. Survivors are reportedly scavenging for food and clean water as local stores are quickly running out of supplies. "Everyone is rushing to the stores for water. There is a general shortage," noted local resident Ali Ahmidi Youssouf.
Some inhabitants of Mayotte had initially ignored cyclone warnings, underestimatin. Living conditions, particularly within informal settlements, have made the situation even more precarious. Many chose to remain indoors, fearing looters rather than seeking shelter and safety from the storm.
Upon its arrival, the cyclone inflicted damage on schools, hospitals, and local businesses, resulting in structural collapses and total destruction of several urban areas. French authorities have confirmed the closure of civilian air traffic at the island’s airport, which was severely affected.
Distraught residents are calling for immediate action and support. Senator Salama Ramia expressed concern over the rapid humanitarian need, saying, "Hunger is starting to rise. It’s urgent the aid arrives, especially when you see children, babies, to whom we have nothing concrete to offer."
Relatives of those living on the island have expressed their frustration and concern from afar, feeling powerless as they attempt to communicate with loved ones. Khayra Djoumoi Thany, another concerned family member, shared, "It is difficult because I feel helpless," as many struggle to connect with relatives within the disaster zone.
With the death toll still under investigation and recovery operations just beginning, the situation remains tenuous. Emergency services are working tirelessly, but the road to recovery will be long. French Prime Minister François Bayrou stated this cyclone was "the worst to strike the territory in nearly 90 years" and emphasized the urgent need for international assistance.
The cyclone's destruction did not end with Mayotte, as Cyclone Chido made landfall across Mozambique and Malawi, resulting in additional fatalities and destruction. Cyclones like Chido have become more forceful due to climate change, raising alarms about the growing severity of such natural disasters.
The European Parliament responded with solidarity for Mayotte's victims, as President Roberta Metsola affirmed, "Mayotte is Europe, and Europe will not abandon you." This collective support underlines the necessity for long-term recovery plans and systemic changes to assist regions like Mayotte, which are often left vulnerable to such calamities.
