Mayotte authorities are in a desperate race to assist survivors and contain the fallout from Cyclone Chido, a catastrophic storm that ravaged the French overseas territory over the weekend. With confirmed reports of 22 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and countless others still unaccounted for, the archipelago faces an urgent humanitarian crisis.
Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to strike Mayotte in over 90 years, unleashed 200 kph (124 mph) winds that flattened shantytowns and left a trail of destruction across the island. Entire communities have been cut off, with many areas still inaccessible days after the disaster. Authorities fear the death toll could rise dramatically as rescue teams continue to search through the rubble.
Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, mayor of the capital Mamoudzou, described the dire situation: “The priority today is water and food. We also have decomposing bodies that could lead to a sanitary crisis. The lack of electricity makes the nights perilous, with some exploiting the darkness to cause further chaos.”
Rescue teams, supported by over 700 security personnel, are working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide aid. In Mamoudzou, several people have been rescued from the debris, according to city communications officer Sitti-Rouzat Soilhi. The focus remains on delivering essential supplies of food and clean water to the hardest-hit areas to stave off hunger and disease.
French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday and announced plans to visit Mayotte in the “coming days.” His visit aims to underscore France’s commitment to assisting its poorest overseas territory, where over 75% of the population of 321,000 lives in relative poverty.
The cyclone has exacerbated existing challenges in Mayotte, a frequent destination for undocumented immigrants from the nearby Comoros islands. This influx has long strained local resources, and recent years have seen growing unrest. Chido’s devastation has added a new layer of complexity to these socio-economic issues, leaving authorities scrambling to maintain order while addressing the immediate needs of survivors.
Meteo France, the French national weather service, declared Cyclone Chido the strongest storm to hit Mayotte in nearly a century. The sheer scale of destruction has left the region reeling, with experts warning of long-term consequences for its infrastructure, economy, and public health.
The race to prevent a full-scale humanitarian disaster continues, as rescue teams, government officials, and international aid organizations work against time. The people of Mayotte face an uncertain future, but the collective effort to rebuild and recover offers a glimmer of hope amid the ruins.
