Tragedy Unfolds as Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte

The island community faces significant destruction and loss in the wake of Cyclone Chido's unprecedented impact.

France's Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which made landfall on Saturday with extraordinary wind gusts exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph). Tragically, reports confirm at least 11 deaths and numerous injuries, with concerns about rising casualty figures as search and rescue efforts progress. French President Emmanuel Macron assured residents of Mayotte that the nation would provide necessary support, as 250 firefighters and security officials were dispatched to the area to assist in recovery operations.

French interior minister Bruno Retailleau lamented the destruction wrought upon makeshift homes, similar to what has not been witnessed in nearly a century, raising fears over the “heavy” toll. According to local medical sources, the cyclone has left 246 individuals injured in addition to the fatalities. The territory, located north-west of Madagascar and home to around 300,000 residents, has seen severe infrastructure damage, with reports indicating that essential services such as electricity, water, and internet are currently unavailable.

Initial assessments reveal catastrophic damage to Pamandzi airport, prompting the government to deploy military aircraft loaded with vital supplies for those affected. The winds had initiated destruction even before the cyclone's peak, uprooting trees and downing power lines across the islands. Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, from the local firefighters' union, expressed the severity of the situation, highlighting obstacles faced by emergency teams due to lack of communications and unsafe conditions.

Retailleau reiterated the French government’s commitment to aiding Mayotte in its recovery, revealing that an additional 140 support personnel are en route to the island for immediate relief actions. Prime Minister François Bayrou declared the cyclone “exceptionally severe” and stated that emergency meetings were underway to manage the situation effectively. Originally placed under a strict purple alert, Mayotte's status has been adjusted to red, allowing emergency services some capacity to respond as the perilous storm system continues its path, worsening conditions in regions like Mozambique and southern Malawi.