Mayotte Struggles to Recover from Catastrophic Cyclone Impact

Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, claiming at least two lives and causing widespread destruction. Emergency services are mobilizing as fears grow over a potential high death toll and extensive damage.

France's Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which struck the islands with unprecedented force over the weekend. Reports indicate that at least two individuals have died due to the cyclone's impact, with local authorities expressing concerns that the death toll could rise significantly. Wind gusts exceeded 225 km/h (140 mph), leading to catastrophic damage across the region.

Local media quoted a community official stating that a shanty town had been "completely destroyed," highlighting the cyclone's severe impact on informal settlements. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau cautioned that the situation appears to indicate a "heavy" potential death toll as rescue efforts commence.

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged support for the residents of Mayotte during this tragic time. In response to the calamity, French officials have dispatched 250 firefighters and security personnel to aid in relief efforts, some of whom have already arrived on the island.

Mayotte, located north-west of Madagascar, is an archipelago made up of one principal island, Grand-Terre, among several smaller islands. Even before Chido made full landfall, initial reports indicated significant predicaments such as uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and downed power lines.

The head of the local firefighters' union, Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, revealed that emergency responders are currently restricted from reaching many areas due to the cyclone's intensity. The loss of mobile phone service complicates communication and assessment of the disaster. Abdoul emphasized that even structures designed to resist earthquakes have not withstood the cyclone’s force, and the emergency services command center was evacuated and is not operating at full capacity.

The Pamandzi airport has suffered "major damage," particularly to its control tower, complicating transportation logistics as recovery efforts begin. The French Transport Minister, Francois Durovray, indicated that military aid planes would initially restore air traffic, while ships have been dispatched to assist in resupply efforts.

Interior Minister Retailleau reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the distressed population of Mayotte, announcing that 110 civil security personnel and firefighters have already been deployed on-site. A second team consisting of 140 additional personnel is expected to arrive to bolster relief operations.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou described the effects of Cyclone Chido as of "exceptional severity," assuring that he remains closely updated on the evolving situation. The island was previously under a purple alert—the highest state of emergency—but this was adjusted to a red alert to facilitate the movement of emergency services.

Looking ahead, the cyclone is anticipated to impact Mozambique on the African mainland, suggesting a broader regional challenge that may require international attention and assistance.