Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, has been ravaged by Cyclone Chido, leaving hundreds feared dead and entire settlements flattened. The cyclone, with wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), caused extensive damage, particularly to impoverished communities living in makeshift shelters.
Emergency operations are underway, with rescue workers from France aiding local teams in searching for survivors amid widespread destruction. However, damaged infrastructure, including downed power lines and blocked roads, is hampering relief efforts. Many residents are facing severe shortages of food, water, and shelter.
In Mamoudzou, the capital city, residents described harrowing experiences. One survivor, John Balloz, said he feared for his life as the cyclone struck, while another resident likened the scene to the aftermath of a nuclear war. Many have sought refuge in schools and are relying on community support to survive.
Mayotte, with a population of 320,000, is heavily reliant on French aid and struggles with high poverty and unemployment rates. About 75% of residents live below the national poverty line. The island’s undocumented migrant population, living in vulnerable housing, has been particularly affected.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with the victims, while Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the island’s prefect, warned that the death toll could rise significantly, potentially reaching thousands. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau plans to visit Mayotte to assess the damage and enhance relief efforts.
Cyclone Chido also impacted Mozambique, causing flash flooding, power outages, and structural damage in the northern provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado. Unicef expressed concern over disrupted access to essential services, including healthcare, clean water, and sanitation, heightening the risk of diseases like cholera and malaria.
Authorities continue to ramp up aid to affected regions as the full scale of the devastation unfolds.
