Mayotte Faces Historic Cyclone Disaster
Mayotte, France’s territory in the Indian Ocean, has been devastated by Cyclone Chido, the most severe cyclone to impact the islands in almost a century. The cyclone made landfall on Saturday, unleashing wind gusts exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph) and resulting in at least two confirmed fatalities, with fears that the death toll may rise.
Local officials reported that a shanty town on the island has been "completely destroyed." French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed concerns over a potentially "heavy" death toll as emergency responders struggle to assess the situation.
In response to the catastrophe, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed support for the residents of Mayotte. French authorities stated that 250 firefighters and security personnel are being deployed to the islands, with some already on the ground providing assistance.
Mayotte, located northwest of Madagascar, is an archipelago featuring one primary island, Grand-Terre, alongside several smaller islands. As the cyclone approached, preliminary reports indicated extensive damage, with uprooted trees, roofs torn off buildings, and downed power lines.
Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, head of Mayotte’s firefighters’ union, reported significant disruptions to emergency response efforts, sharing that responders are unable to communicate due to the lack of mobile phone service. He noted that even structures designed to withstand earthquakes have been compromised.
Pamandzi airport on the island sustained considerable damage, particularly to its control tower. Air traffic is expected to resume initially with military aid flights, while resupply ships are en route.
In an ongoing display of support, Retailleau affirmed that local and national emergency services are fully mobilized, with a commitment to send additional personnel in the coming days. Newly appointed French Prime Minister François Bayrou described the cyclone’s impact as of "exceptional severity," pledging to stay updated on developments every hour.
Mayotte was initially under a purple alert— the highest alert level— leading to a strict lockdown for all, including emergency personnel. This alert has since been downgraded to red, allowing emergency services to deploy more effectively as they coordinate relief efforts.
The cyclone’s effects may extend beyond Mayotte, with forecasts indicating potential impact on Mozambique in mainland Africa as well.
