CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Cyclone Chido has unleashed catastrophic destruction upon Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory, leading to widespread devastation and rising concerns about the death toll.
The cyclone, described as the most powerful to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, struck on Friday and Saturday, bringing winds exceeding 220 km/h (136 mph). Initial reports estimate the death toll could reach hundreds or even thousands, as local officials scrambled to assess the aftermath amid chaotic conditions.
According to Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, "I think there are some several hundred dead, maybe we'll get close to a thousand. Even thousands ..." This dire estimate reflects the extensive damage sustained, particularly affecting impoverished neighborhoods made up of makeshift housing. Electrical outages, damaged public infrastructure, and displacement of residents constitute the immediate challenges for local authorities.
Authorities have mobilized emergency rescue teams and medical personnel to the island. French officials reported over 800 rescue workers and extensive supplies being dispatched to assist the local population. Bruno Retailleau, the French Interior Minister, stated, "It will take days and days to establish the human toll," indicating the difficulty of accounting for victims, particularly due to the rapid burial customs within the Muslim community prevalent on the island.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his sympathies for the residents affected, saying, "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." These sentiments were echoed by countless residents grappling with the immediate impacts of the cyclone.
Emergency responses are complicated by significant damage to infrastructure, including the main hospital and airport, which combined with damaged utilities, makes access to the region highly restricted. Military aircraft have become pivotal for delivering aid, as civilian aircraft cannot land at the severely compromised airport.
Describing the conditions post-storm, local resident Mohamed Ishmael shared his thoughts, stating, "Honestly, what we are experiencing is a tragedy, you feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war… I saw an entire neighborhood disappear." This vivid account highlights the severity of destruction and human suffering resulting from Cyclone Chido.
International aid has begun flowing through airlifts from Reunion, another French overseas territory, with military support being mobilized to restore order and assist with recovery efforts. Sebastien Lecornu, Minister of Armed Forces, confirmed the government's commitment to providing aid and stabilization efforts, noting, "The State is fully mobilized to support the inhabitants of Mayotte in this ordeal."
Compounding this natural disaster are the socio-economic challenges across Mayotte, where over three-quarters of the population resides below the poverty line.
The territory has long struggled with rampant illegal immigration from Comoros, leading to tensions exacerbated by inadequate resources and living conditions; it's pointed out by François-Xavier Bieuville who remarked on the considerable presence of undocumented migrants complicates rescue and recovery operations.
Efforts to restore normalcy post-cyclone face immense challenges due to the devastation caused. Some areas are reportedly completely without power, and access to food and water supplies is becoming increasingly precarious. Immediate medical needs are also rising as health facilities wrestle with the deterioration caused by Chido.
Looking beyond Mayotte, Cyclone Chido has also impacted nearby Mozambique, where authorities have warned over two million individuals could be affected due to severe weather conditions caused by the storm. Communities there face difficulties as infrastructure is damaged, and aid is being mobilized with concerns of flooding and landslides threatening both life and health.
This disaster exposes the vulnerability of regions like Mayotte to extreme weather, prompting discussions on climate change and humanitarian responses required to mitigate these effects. French officials promised assistance will continue as they assess the long-term impacts of Cyclone Chido. The destruction left behind serves as harsh evidence of the increasing intensity of natural disasters and the growing need for global cooperation and intervention.
