Cyclone Chido has left a trail of destruction in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. The cyclone has claimed at least 14 lives and left countless others in peril. With wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), the cyclone has flattened entire neighbourhoods, especially in areas where the poorest residents lived in makeshift shelters—leaving many homeless, unprotected, and injured. The devastation is severe, and rescue efforts are underway, but the path to recovery will be long and challenging.
The Impact on Mayotte
Mayotte’s 320,000 residents faced the full fury of Cyclone Chido, which tore through the island, uprooting trees, toppling power lines, and destroying homes. Makeshift settlements were particularly vulnerable, leaving many people homeless and struggling to find food, water, and shelter.
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One resident, John Balloz, shared the terrifying experience, “The wind was so strong, I thought I wouldn’t survive. I screamed for help, thinking it was the end.” Another resident described their neighbourhood as completely wiped out, comparing it to the aftermath of a nuclear disaster.
Unfortunately, the cyclone hit an already struggling region. Mayotte’s population was heavily reliant on French financial aid. Moreover, it battles high poverty and unemployment rates, with 75% of the population below the national poverty line. The storm has only worsened these challenges, leaving communities with limited access to clean water, electricity, and essential medical services.
Rescue workers and aid supplies are flying in from mainland France and neighbouring territories. However, widespread damage to infrastructure is slowing operations. Roads are impassable, and the airport on Petite-Terre, one of Mayotte’s main islands, has suffered extensive damage. Over 15,000 homes remain without power, and phone lines are down, making communication difficult.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences and pledged support for the devastated territory, calling the situation “exceptionally severe.” Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is set to visit Mayotte, warned that the death toll could rise to the hundreds or even thousands as rescue teams continue to assess the damage.
Cyclone Chido’s Wide Reach
Cyclone Chido didn’t stop at Mayotte; it also brought destruction to Mozambique, where it caused flash flooding, power outages, and structural damage. These damages were however limited to the northern provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado. The storm destroyed homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, leaving many without access to critical services. Aid agencies like UNICEF are working to provide clean water, sanitation, and medical care to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and malaria.
Unusually warm Indian Ocean waters, driven by climate change, have supercharged Cyclone Chido’s intensity, meteorologists believe. Unfortunately, experts are sharing that these storms will become more frequent and devastating in the future. This catastrophe will put millions of lives at risk.
Mayotte faces a long road to recovery. Luckily communities are coming together, with neighbors sheltering one another in schools and other safe spaces. However, the island urgently needs resources to rebuild homes, restore power, and ensure clean water and medical care for all.
While the rescue and aid operations continue, Cyclone Chido serves as a horrifying reminder of the growing dangers posed by climate change. The people of Mayotte and Mozambique need global solidarity to rebuild their lives and prepare for the challenges ahead.
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