Cyclone Chido's impact was devastating as it swept through the Indian Ocean, wreaking havoc not only on the infrastructure but also on the social fabric of Mayotte, France's overseas territory, and nearby Mozambique. The islands are now grappling with the aftermath of this storm after it inflicted widespread destruction, resulting in significant fatalities, overwhelmed healthcare services, and exacerbated existing tensions between the local population and migrants.
With winds reaching speeds of up to 260 kph (approximately 160 mph), Cyclone Chido has been labeled as one of the worst storms to strike Mayotte, known for its fragile infrastructure. The French government initially reported 35 confirmed deaths, but as recovery efforts continue, officials caution the toll may rise sharply due to the high number of undocumented migrants from the nearby Comoros Islands who avoided shelters due to fears of deportation. “I can’t take it anymore. Just to have water is complicated,” shared Fatima, a local resident struggling to provide for her family amid the chaos. She expressed her concern about the increasing strain on resources for locals, stating, “The island can’t support the people living in it, let alone allow more to come.”
Calls for help have been echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who acknowledged the deep-seated challenges facing Mayotte. During his visit, he remarked, “The problems of Mayotte cannot be solved without addressing illegal immigration,” drawing attention to the island’s rapidly growing population, which includes around 100,000 migrants among the approximately 320,000 residents. Following the cyclone, many migrants found themselves trapped between the devastation of their homes and the fear of deportation, compounding the urgency for aid.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido saw hospitals quickly filled with patients suffering from cyclone-related injuries, dehydration, and diseases. Dr. Roger Serhal noted how severely the storm impacted medical facilities, reporting, “We lost 40% of patient rooms, about 50 to 60 beds,” leading to triage of patients as they struggled to cope with the surge of injuries and chronic conditions. He stated, “If we have rain it will be catastrophic,” warning of potential outbreaks due to the lack of sanitation and overcrowding.
Mayotte’s healthcare system has long been under strain, and the cyclone highlighted these vulnerabilities. With 75% of the population living below the poverty line, the region was not equipped to handle such disasters. Efforts to provide emergency relief are underway, but with infrastructure damage hampering logistics, less than sufficient aid has made its way to those most affected. According to local reports, emergency supplies, including 31 tons of food and 108 tons of water, have been delivered so far, but this is only scratching the surface of the immense demand for support.
Across the sea, Mozambique is similarly reeling from Cyclone Chido’s destructive path. The nation's disaster management agency confirmed the death toll has risen to 94, with over 110,000 homes destroyed. Authorities reported widespread destruction, and the ruling government has been accused of mishandling the election aftermath, with civil unrest exacerbated by the cyclone. “Our brothers need them,” pleaded Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate whose legitimacy is questioned amid political tensions. He urged citizens to donate food and clothing to help those hit hardest by the cyclone's aftermath.
The urgent situation is characterized by societal volatility, with significant protests erupting against perceived electoral fraud. The storm not only wreaked destruction but also laid bare both humanitarian and political crises, with thousands displaced and only limited relief reaching affected areas.
Through all this suffering, the voices of those impacted resonate, with as many as possible calling for aid and recognition of their plight. Dr. Vincent Gilles highlighted the necessity for urgent relief efforts, underscoring how many patients were presenting conditions exacerbated by the lack of clean water and electricity: “Patients are coming because their illnesses are untreated, there’s no water, and no electricity. We’re concerned about epidemics, like the cholera outbreak we stopped just months ago.”
Despite the governmental plans to address the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, skepticism remains high among residents as they face the dire realities of post-cyclone life. With entire neighborhoods flattened and facilities overwhelmed, Mayotte and Mozambique are now left to pick up the pieces, their fragile structures tested by the realization of vulnerabilities their people face.
Efforts toward recovery continue, but they do so against the backdrop of urgency and despair, as communities work to restore their lives amid the wreckage left behind by Cyclone Chido.
