Desperate times call for urgent measures, and following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido on December 14, 2024, the island of Mayotte has become the focal point for numerous relief and recovery efforts. Two months after the cyclone wreaked havoc, humanitarian workers and local organizations are rallying to support the island's population, which faces significant challenges.
Cédric Le Houx, one of the responders from the Croix Blanche humanitarian group, reflects on his experiences after returning from Mayotte. "Our motto is to serve! So if I am asked to go back, I will go back," he asserts, emphasizing the necessity of continued support for the island. Along with his colleague Ludovic Chesnais, Le Houx spent significant time on the ground after the disaster, helping the local population recover. He notes, "Two months later, the situation is still unresolved," indicating the challenges still confronted by those affected.
Their trip was organized through the Gic, or disaster intervention group, which quickly assembled responders to provide assistance. Le Houx sacrificed part of his summer holiday to travel, stating simply, "It was necessary to go!" On January 18, they boarded a flight with 205 other civil security personnel, returning from this intense mission on January 31.
Upon arrival, they faced immediate obstacles. Essential equipment, including chainsaws and rescue supplies, had not reached the island, complicate their mission. Le Houx recounted, "We were not prepared for what we saw." They were housed by a local hotelier amid the destruction, aiding him by assisting with repairs to the damaged facility.
"The poverty was shocking for me, especially as Mayotte is supposed to be part of France," Le Houx expressed. The conditions were reminiscent of those found in developing countries, starkly contrasting with expectations. He described the scene as "a sky-open dump" with the devastation so extensive it affected even the sturdier baobab trees. He was particularly moved by the children’s joy when they were handed small treats, demonstrating the acute need for even the simplest items.
One of their most significant missions involved clearing 1.5 kilometers of river clogged with debris, which Le Houx likened to "a war zone." Their usual duties back home revolve around sports and cultural events, but this experience suggests the necessity of forming groups to support the population during future weather events.
While Le Houx had hoped to stay longer, budget constraints necessitated his return to Trélévern. He remarked, "I would have liked to stay longer, but there was no budget for us to mobilize. Perhaps another mission awaits us." His commitment to helping the islanders remains strong.
Meanwhile, logistics efforts from the Seychelles also played a role. Two red barges were sent to Mayotte following Cyclone Chido to aid transportation, especially for emergency responders. Saïd Moussa Kassim, director of maritime transport for Mayotte, noted, "These means will help relieve us, we just need to set up three agents." Despite the improvements, transportation remains disrupted with only one barge operating every 30 minutes during peak hours. Ongoing repairs and other disruptions have complicated the situation.
Local initiatives for fundraising and support have also emerged. The UAV Foot team, which includes players hailing from Mayotte, launched efforts to gather donations for their home island, particularly after the additional calamity of tropical storm Dikeledi followed the cyclone. F. Lafon, co-president of UAV Foot, explained, "We wanted to help the people who have lost everything. The images of destruction greatly affected everyone across France." Abdou A., one of the Mahoran players on the team, voiced his concerns for his home, underscoring the emotional weight of being away during such crises.
Thanks to these initiatives, the team successfully raised €1,000 to distribute to the residents, enabling them to procure basic goods desperately needed following the twin disasters.
Efforts weren't limited to sports clubs; students of Lycée Edgar-Faure organized to send aid haul to Mayotte before the school holidays. Zacharie Rochette, the vice-principal and community member from Mayotte, played a key role. A collective mobilization involving local colleges provided clothing and other necessities, demonstrating the unity among residents and students to assist those suffering on the island.
"This initiative was made possible thanks to the invaluable contributions of local businesses," remarked principal Thierry Finck, highlighting community support. The supply of resources came partly from fundraising efforts and school contributions to facilitate the logistics required for sending the container.
With shipping operations set, the relief cargo is expected to reach Mayotte by early April, indicating the liquidity involved for sustained recovery efforts.
While recovery continues amid challenges, the tenacity seen among responders, local organizations, and communities signifies hope for the future of Mayotte post-Cyclone Chido.