MAYOTTE, French Indian Ocean Territory. Cyclone Chido has left the French territory of Mayotte in ruins, with local officials fearing a death toll in the hundreds, potentially rising into the thousands. The island’s Prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, described the cyclone as the worst to hit Mayotte in 90 years, delivering catastrophic winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph) and flattening entire neighborhoods.
“I think there are several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand. Even thousands… given the violence of this event,” Bieuville told local broadcaster Mayotte la 1ère.
The French Interior Ministry confirmed at least 11 deaths and over 250 injuries on Sunday, cautioning that these numbers are likely to rise. Bieuville noted the devastation in Mayotte’s slums, which consist of metal shacks and informal housing, saying, “This figure is not plausible when you see the images of the slums. I think the human toll is much higher.”
Extensive Damage and Immediate Needs
Mayotte, the poorest French territory and part of the European Union, has been hit hard. Damage to public infrastructure includes the island’s airport, where only military aircraft can currently operate due to damage to the control tower. Roads are blocked, electricity is out, and access to clean water is severely limited.
Patrice Latron, Prefect of the nearby French territory of Réunion, announced plans to establish an air and sea bridge to Mayotte. Around 800 rescuers and over 80 tons of supplies are being sent, with priority given to restoring electricity and clean water.
In Hamjago, one of the hardest-hit villages, resident Chad Youyou posted harrowing videos on Facebook showing the flattened fields and uprooted trees. “Mayotte is destroyed… we are destroyed,” he said.
National and International Response
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Mayotte’s people, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned that the death toll would be “high.” Retailleau, along with Prime Minister François Bayrou, who recently assumed office, is set to visit the island. Pope Francis also offered prayers for the victims during a Sunday visit to Corsica.
French authorities have deployed 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers to maintain order and prevent looting.
Cyclone Chido’s Path of Destruction
After pummeling Mayotte, Cyclone Chido moved on to northern Mozambique, threatening over 2 million people. In Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, homes, schools, and health facilities have been severely damaged. UNICEF warned of a high risk of landslides and prolonged isolation from essential services.
Cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, which peaks from December to March, has intensified in recent years. Studies suggest climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe cyclones, disproportionately impacting poor nations like Mayotte and Mozambique.
Humanitarian organizations are calling for increased global support to address the escalating crises brought about by climate change.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
