On Saturday, Mayotte was struck by Cyclone Chido, leaving devastation reminiscent of nuclear fallout and claiming countless lives. A powerful Category 4 storm, Cyclone Chido unleashed winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour, marking it as the strongest storm to ravage the French archipelago in over 90 years. The cyclone initially impacted northern Madagascar before intensifying and slamming Mayotte, which is located off the eastern coast of Africa, just west of Madagascar.
Bruno Garcia, who owns Hotel Caribou in Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, described the aftermath to CNN-affiliate BFMTV, saying, “The situation is catastrophic, apocalyptic. We lost everything. The entire hotel is completely destroyed.” Garcia’s sentiments echoed the despair felt by many as the storm wreaked havoc across neighborhoods, flattening homes, knocking out power and water supplies, and damaging various infrastructures, including hospitals and schools.
Initial reports indicate at least 14 confirmed deaths, but local officials fear the true toll could be far worse, potentially numbering “several hundred dead, maybe close to a thousand, even thousands” according to Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville. With Mayotte’s population exceeding 300,000, the stakes are alarmingly high amid search and rescue efforts hindered by damaged communications and logistics. Residents like Mohamed Ishmael likened their experience to being at the “aftermath of a nuclear war,” witnessing entire neighborhoods vanish under the storm’s wrath.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to travel to Mayotte, offering support to citizens and emergency services. He also committed to declaring a national mourning period. Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau conveyed the island’s devastation, emphasizing, “It is clear the island is totally devastated.” The cyclone affected informal settlements where many undocumented migrants reside, complicifying rescue efforts and raising fears of numerous casualties.
Estelle Youssouffa, a member of parliament for Mayotte, highlighted the challenges faced by responders, noting, “About two-thirds of the island is currently unreachable.” Search and rescue operations are difficult as many undocumented migrants, fearing police apprehension, chose not to evacuate, leaving them vulnerable to the storm’s destruction.
Fahar, another Mamoudzou resident, expressed the dire conditions they are facing, stating, “We have no electricity, no water, we’ve been in the dark for three days. It’s been three days and we haven’t seen any rescuers.” The damage done to roads and communication channels has impeded effective rescue missions.
On the ground, French authorities are mobilizing aid, with naval ships en route and military planes already landing to deliver emergency supplies. Retailleau reassured the locals, stating, “France is standing by their side with a helping hand.” Hundreds of rescuers, firefighters, and police are being sent to provide assistance to those affected.
The cyclone's fury lasted only hours, but scientists warn this disaster serves as another example of the increasing destructiveness of tropical storms, likely exacerbated by climate change. The warm Indian Ocean waters contribute significantly to the strength of such cyclones, and as seen with Cyclone Chido, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Local testimonies continue to pour out from Mayotte. Chad Youyou, a resident of Hamjago, shared videos capturing the extensive damage to his village, asserting, “Mayotte is destroyed … we are destroyed.” This sentiment resonates deeply across the island, where communities grapple not only with loss but also with the arduous task of rebuilding their lives.
Throughout history, Mayotte has been marked by challenges stemming from unemployment and the influx of migrants seeking refuge from neighboring countries. The current crisis is especially acute due to the socio-economic vulnerabilities faced by many, particularly those living illegally. Approximately 100,000 undocumented migrants call Mayotte home, often residing in the most precarious conditions.
With the storm's record-breaking impact remaining fresh in the minds of those affected, the recovery process will be arduous. The estimated toll will likely linger long after the last storm has passed, as local communities confront the repercussions of Cyclone Chido for years to come.
