Mayotte, a small French territory in the Indian Ocean, is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to strike the islands in nearly a century. The category 4 cyclone, which hit on December 14, 2024, has left widespread destruction, displacing thousands and claiming the lives of at least 14 people, with officials warning that the true death toll could rise to hundreds or even thousands.
A Scene of Devastation
Described by locals as an “apocalyptic” event, the cyclone brought winds of over 220 kilometers per hour (136 miles per hour), flattening homes, destroying schools and hospitals, and severely damaging infrastructure, including Mayotte’s airport control tower. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, especially in informal settlements that housed many undocumented migrants.
Bruno Garcia, a hotel owner in Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, told French media, “It’s as if an atomic bomb fell on Mayotte.” His hotel, like many other structures, was completely destroyed. Aerial footage released by France’s military shows entire villages wiped out, with debris scattered across the islands.
A Mounting Humanitarian Crisis
Cyclone Chido also caused significant damage in northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique before weakening. However, Mayotte bore the brunt of the storm. Search-and-rescue operations have been hampered by the destruction of roads and communication networks, leaving nearly two-thirds of the island inaccessible.
According to Estelle Youssouffa, a member of the French Parliament representing Mayotte, the destruction in shantytowns was so severe that “there is very little chance of finding survivors.” Local officials have criticized the initial death toll of 14 as unrealistic, given the extent of the devastation.
The Struggles of Mayotte
Mayotte, home to just over 300,000 people, is the poorest region in the European Union. The territory has long faced challenges, including high unemployment, a growing migration crisis, and inadequate infrastructure. Many residents live in precarious housing, making them particularly vulnerable to natural disasters like Cyclone Chido.
The cyclone comes at a time when Mayotte is grappling with an influx of migrants from neighboring Comoros and Madagascar, who often live in informal settlements. Tragically, fear of deportation deterred many undocumented residents from evacuating before the storm hit.
Ongoing Relief Efforts
As of Monday, the island remained largely offline, with power and water supplies still disrupted. Emergency response teams from France and neighboring Réunion Island have been deployed, and military planes carrying aid have arrived. However, local residents have expressed frustration over the delayed arrival of assistance.
“We’ve been in the dark for three days, without water or electricity, and we haven’t seen any rescuers,” one resident, Fahar, told local media.
Climate Change and Future Risks
Cyclone Chido is a grim reminder of the growing intensity of tropical storms, fueled by climate change. Warmer ocean waters provide more energy to cyclones, increasing their destructive potential. Scientists warn that such storms are likely to become more frequent and severe, posing a significant threat to vulnerable regions like Mayotte.
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