Mayotte is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history following the devastation brought about by Cyclone Chido. The cyclone, described as the worst to hit the region in 90 years, struck the archipelago on December 14, 2024, resulting in extensive damage, particularly to the healthcare infrastructure.
According to Geneviève Darrieussecq, the resigning French Minister of Health, the health services are severely compromised, with the main hospital suffering significant water damage affecting key areas such as surgery, emergency, and maternity units. "The hospital has suffered major water damage and destruction, and medical centres are also non-operational," she stated during her appearance on France 2 news. The situation is desperate, with the minister noting, "We have seen hundreds, if not thousands, of victims, at least fourteen dead as per the preliminary count which is likely to climb higher." She cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the total fatalities, saying, "It is not prudent to provide figures now, let’s wait for the toll, which may increase." The full extent of the disaster is still being assessed as many areas remain inaccessible.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left many residents without basic necessities such as food and water. Local officials have expressed fears of looming humanitarian disasters, with the prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville, indicating the death toll could eventually reach up to a thousand. "The need for food and water is urgent, and the number of those missing is still climbing," he emphasized.
Rescue operations are currently underway to assist survivors, but the road is fraught with obstacles. Immediate focus has been on identifying chronically ill patients for evacuation to La Réunion, where medical assistance is more readily available. Emergency medical supplies and personnel are being dispatched from La Réunion to help cope with the overwhelming situation on the ground, and Darrieussecq has confirmed, "A field hospital will be deployed shortly to assist with the increasing number of patients."
To boost the response efforts, approximately one hundred healthcare professionals from the national reserve will be mobilized to arrive shortly at Mayotte. This reserve consists of medical staff who are volunteers and are ready to engage during emergencies such as this. Their involvement is seen as pivotal for combating the immediate healthcare crisis arising from injuries and potential outbreaks of diseases.
The medical system is under tremendous pressure, exacerbated by previous health threats such as cholera, which was present until July 2024. Darrieussecq warned, "We need to be on high alert for infectious diseases; we must screen all cases of illness to prevent additional health crises from occurring." This highlights the dual challenge of managing the cyclone's physical toll and grappling with the ramifications for public health.
"The first urgency was to pinpoint serious chronic patients and evacuate them," added the minister, underscoring the priority set for healthcare providers. Reports from local officials reveal widespread destruction; schools and homes have been reduced to rubble, compounding the challenges of recovery.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has called for crisis meetings to strategize the national response to the calamity. The government is considering all options, including utilizing armed forces and other resources to assist with the situation on the islands. "Don’t panic. We are here; we will mobilize every resource available," promised the interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, who arrived on-site with reinforcements.
Eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of the cyclone's impact. One local resident described the scene post-cyclone as, "Everything is destroyed." Videos shared online display the destructive wind gusts bending metal structures and causing roofs to collapse under the sheer power of the storm.
The situation remains fluid, with hopes for finding survivors diminishing as rescue efforts continue to battle treacherous conditions. The urgency of providing immediate medical care and humanitarian assistance is pressing, with decision-makers aware they are racing against time.
It's worth noting the cyclone came at the tail end of one of the most brutal drought years globally, and many observers fear such extreme weather patterns will only continue due to climate change. Meteo-France meteorologist Francois Gourand pointed out the cyclone was unusually intense, supercharged by warmer Indian Ocean waters. The regional response will not only strive to address the immediate needs but will also have to encompass longer-term rebuilding efforts as the recovery process begins.
The global response has started with early aid flights bringing medical supplies and support teams to Mayotte. The European Union and the World Health Organization have expressed readiness to assist, recognizing the potential for widespread humanitarian need arising from such devastating events.
Residents are left to navigate their new reality amid chaos with dwindling resources. The recovery phase will undoubtedly take years and calls for both local and international support to rebuild not only infrastructure but also restore hope and dignity to the survivors of Cyclone Chido.
Mayotte now faces the monumental task of recovering from this catastrophe, with unified efforts needed to overcome what could be one of the largest human tragedies the archipelago has ever faced as it looks to begin healing and reconstruction.
The authorities' resolve remains firm as they grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido and strive to bring stability back to their beleaguered communities.
