The French territory of Mayotte is reeling in devastation following the impact of Cyclone Chido, with hundreds of individuals feared dead in its wake. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, speaking to Mayotte la 1ère radio station, confirmed the absence of an official death toll a day after the cyclone ravaged the islands. Despite the lack of concrete figures, Bieuville expressed grim expectations, stating, “I think there are certainly several hundred,” while also warning that the casualties might escalate into the thousands.
The aftermath of the storm left over 250 individuals injured in Mayotte, with neighboring regions like Madagascar and Mozambique also bearing the brunt of Cyclone Chido’s fury. Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau characterized the situation in Mayotte as catastrophic, underscoring the widespread destruction of poorly constructed dwellings across the archipelago, which is home to approximately 310,000 residents.
Expressing solidarity with the affected populace, President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the dire circumstances faced by the people of Mayotte when he met with Pope Francis on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. Macron voiced his concerns, acknowledging the sheer loss and suffering endured by many in the wake of the calamity.
Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila of Mamoudzou, the capital of Mayotte, detailed the extent of the damages, noting a high number of injuries and severe destruction throughout the region. The aftermath of the cyclone left roads impassable, isolated certain areas, and plunged numerous residents into darkness as power supplies faltered. Reports also indicated significant harm to the main island’s airport, further exacerbating the logistical challenges facing relief efforts.
Météo France, the national meteorological service, highlighted the ferocity of the cyclone, with wind speeds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour striking Mayotte. Authorities had issued warnings urging residents to seek refuge in sturdy structures and remain indoors prior to the cyclone’s landfall, underscoring the urgency of preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.
In Mozambique, where Cyclone Chido unleashed winds reaching speeds of up to 240 kilometers per hour, the impact was similarly devastating. The storm wreaked havoc in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, causing extensive destruction to homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, as reported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The Mozambican Centre for Disaster Management noted widespread collapse of the power grid in Cabo Delgado and the neighboring province of Nampula, complicating rescue operations and hampering recovery efforts.
As the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolds in Mayotte and beyond, the global community is called upon to extend support and aid to those grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido. Amidst the wreckage and loss, resilience and unity emerge as guiding principles in the collective response to bring relief and hope to the affected populations in their time of need.
