Cyclone Chido Devastates France’s Indian Ocean Territory of Mayotte

 Mayotte, France’s Indian Ocean territory, has been ravaged by Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to strike the region in nearly a century. With wind speeds surpassing 225 km/h (140 mph), the cyclone has left a trail of widespread destruction, claiming at least two lives and sparking fears of a rising death toll.

A National Pledge of Support

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged unwavering support to the people of Mayotte, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the cyclone’s impact as “exceptional.” Retailleau confirmed that makeshift homes across the islands had been entirely destroyed, underscoring the scale of the devastation.

In response, France has deployed approximately 250 emergency responders, including firefighters and civil security teams, with additional reinforcements expected in the coming days.

Catastrophic Damage

Mayotte, an archipelago situated northwest of Madagascar and home to nearly 300,000 residents, has suffered immense destruction. Tens of thousands of people have been rendered homeless as the cyclone obliterated shacks with metal roofs that dominate the housing landscape.

Essential services such as electricity, water, and internet have been completely disrupted. Pamandzi Airport, a critical infrastructure hub, sustained severe damage, including significant harm to its control tower. Acting French Transport Minister François Durovray confirmed that military aircraft are delivering essential supplies, with naval vessels en route to bolster relief efforts.

Emergency Operations Hampered

Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, head of Mayotte’s firefighters’ union, described the dire situation on the ground. The cyclone’s ferocity initially immobilized emergency responders, with communication lines severed and even earthquake-resistant buildings failing under the storm’s force. The emergency services command center itself was partially evacuated due to the escalating crisis.

Government Coordination in the Wake of Crisis

Prime Minister François Bayrou, newly appointed to office, characterized the cyclone as an “exceptionally severe event.” He has convened emergency meetings in Paris to streamline relief operations.

A purple alert, the highest warning level, was issued as the cyclone approached, forcing a strict lockdown across Mayotte, including for emergency personnel. The alert has since been downgraded to red, allowing rescue and recovery operations to proceed.

A Looming Threat

Cyclone Chido, the strongest storm to strike Mayotte since 1934, is now projected to head toward Mozambique on the African mainland. This trajectory raises concerns of further devastation as the storm progresses.

Mayotte faces a long road to recovery as emergency teams work tirelessly to restore essential services, provide humanitarian aid, and rebuild a region left in ruins by one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history.