International condolences and assistance are pouring in for the victims of Cyclone Chido, which has wreaked havoc on the French overseas territory of Mayotte. The cyclone, recorded as the strongest storm to hit the area in the last 90 years, brought wind speeds of up to 200 km/h over the weekend, leaving extensive destruction and loss of life.
Reportedly, 22 people have died, and over 1,400 others have been injured. Authorities fear these numbers may rise as rescue efforts continue, and access is gained to more remote areas affected by the cyclone. Thousands have lost their homes, particularly informal settlements, leading to devastating consequences for the vulnerable populations living there.
French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe declared a state of emergency for Mayotte and immediately mobilized additional resources to assist the recovery efforts. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the cyclone's consequences as “complete destruction” affecting 70% of the population. Regular services like electricity, drinking water, and communication have been nearly wiped out.
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced his deep sorrow over the devastation and expressed solidarity with France. He offered assistance through social media, saying, “Deeply saddened by the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I am certain under President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, France will face this tragedy with courage and determination. India expresses solidarity with France and is ready to help in every possible way.”
This acknowledgment of calamity highlights India’s growing role as a global partner for humanitarian response, as it has consistently provided support for disaster-stricken regions, especially across the Indian Ocean area.
The situation on the island is dire, with emergency relief teams struggling to reach some of the most affected areas due to blocked roads and rising water levels. Helicopters and rescue teams are being deployed to restore services and provide immediate relief, focusing on restoring drinking water and power supply within the next 48 hours.
The French government also announced measures to maintain order during this crisis, instituting a curfew from 10 PM to 4 AM to prevent looting and maintain safety. President Macron labeled the situation as tragic and promised to visit Mayotte shortly to personally assess and oversee the recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, neighboring Mozambique is reporting 34 deaths due to the cyclone, with over 300 injured owing to heavy rainfall and winds exceeding 160 km/h. The nation experienced nearly 250 mm (10 inches) of rainfall within 24 hours, leading to flash floods and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. International assistance is now critically needed to address the humanitarian crisis.
Similar devastation has hit the Comoros archipelago, where President Azali Assoumani declared a week of mourning for the lives lost due to the cyclone. The already fragile infrastructure suffered substantial damage, exacerbated by the natural disaster and complicate recovery efforts.
Support from international humanitarian organizations has started to mobilize, with aid agencies collaborating with local authorities to meet urgent health and logistical needs. Reports indicate France is sending 20 tons of food and water, with more resources on the way.
The destructive power of Cyclone Chido has underscored the vulnerability of coastal and island communities to extreme weather conditions. Climate change experts see the cyclone's intensity as indicative of rising ocean temperatures, creating conditions for stronger storms and highlighting the urgent need for global climate action.
Global solidarity and coordinated support remain imperative as the affected regions strive to recover and rebuild. Prime Minister Modi’s message of support reinforces the continuing partnership between India and France following this catastrophic event, assisting those affected by disasters everywhere.
With President Macron at the helm, France is determined to tackle this tragedy with resilience as both local and international efforts gear up to restore dignity and normalcy to communities ravaged by this destructive storm.
