Mayotte, a small group of French islands in the Indian Ocean, has been hit by the devastating Cyclone Chido. This storm is the strongest to strike the region in over 90 years, leaving behind unimaginable destruction and a rising death toll that may reach hundreds or even thousands, according to local officials.
Widespread Damage and Heartbreaking Loss
Cyclone Chido swept through Mayotte with wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph). These powerful winds tore apart homes, damaged government buildings, and even left a hospital severely impacted. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, the senior French official in Mayotte, shared his fears, saying, “I think there will certainly be several hundreds, maybe even several thousand deaths.”
The French interior ministry stated that determining an exact death toll would be very difficult due to the chaotic aftermath. Aerial footage showed hundreds of makeshift homes flattened across the hilly terrain of Mayotte’s islands. Many of these homes belonged to undocumented migrants who had come from nearby Comoros, drawn by Mayotte’s higher standard of living.
Survivors Face New Challenges
In addition to the immediate devastation, the cyclone has caused a crisis in accessing food, clean water, and proper sanitation. Many survivors are left without basic necessities, and the urgency to provide aid is growing.
A French official explained that accurately counting the dead is complicated in Mayotte due to cultural practices. On this predominantly Muslim island, deceased individuals are often buried within 24 hours, making official records difficult to maintain.
A Message of Support
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his sorrow for the people of Mayotte. “My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte who have endured unimaginable suffering, with many losing everything, including their lives,” he said.
Mayotte’s Struggles Before the Cyclone
Mayotte, located nearly 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) from Paris, is one of the poorest regions under French control. Over 77% of its population lives below the poverty line, and the islands have long dealt with challenges such as gang violence, social unrest, and even a recent water shortage.
An estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants live in Mayotte, mostly from Comoros, which lies just 70 kilometers (43 miles) away. Many make dangerous sea crossings in hopes of a better life.
Cyclone Chido’s Path of Destruction
After wreaking havoc in Mayotte, Cyclone Chido moved on to northern Mozambique. Early reports indicated heavy rain and winds had damaged power lines and communication systems there as well, leaving its full impact unclear.
A Troubled History
Mayotte’s history is marked by its ties to France. Colonized in 1843 and formally annexed in 1904, it has remained a French territory despite neighboring islands gaining independence. In a 1974 vote, 95% of the Comoros islands chose independence, but 63% of Mayotte’s people voted to remain part of France.
Today, Mayotte is ruled from Paris, but it struggles with poverty and instability, problems that Cyclone Chido has now made far worse. The focus is now on providing immediate aid and rebuilding lives in the wake of this catastrophic storm.
