The African archipelago of Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, has been left reeling after Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm in nearly a century, struck the islands with winds exceeding 200 km/h (124 mph). Officials fear the death toll may reach several hundred, potentially thousands.
Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “It will be difficult to account for all victims,” due to the immediate burial traditions of the island’s predominantly Muslim population. Cyclone Chido left behind catastrophic damage, destroying homes, government buildings, and even a hospital in the capital, Mamoudzou.
A Scene of Devastation
Residents of Mayotte have described the aftermath as apocalyptic. “Honestly, what we are experiencing is a tragedy. You feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war,” said Mohamed Ishmael, a resident of Mamoudzou. Entire neighbourhoods were wiped out, with aerial footage showing makeshift homes reduced to rubble.
Emergency aid has been mobilised, with an air bridge established between Mayotte and Reunion Island, another French overseas territory. Military rations, generators, and temporary shelters for 150 people are being dispatched, French officials confirmed.
Resilience Amidst Crisis
Despite the devastation, the spirit of solidarity is evident. French President Emmanuel Macron extended his condolences, pledging full governmental support. “My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte, who have gone through the most horrific few hours, and who have, for some, lost everything, lost their lives.”
Mayotte’s socio-economic challenges exacerbate the crisis. Nearly 80% of its population lives below the poverty line, and earlier this year, water shortages sparked unrest. Over 100,000 undocumented migrants from nearby Comoros also reside in the archipelago, drawn by its relatively higher living standards and access to French welfare systems.
Regional Impact Across Africa
Cyclone Chido’s fury extended beyond Mayotte, with northern Mozambique also feeling its effects. Heavy rains and winds damaged power and telecommunications infrastructure, leaving communities vulnerable. In Comoros, preliminary reports indicate 24 displaced residents and significant destruction to homes.
The cyclone has drawn comparisons to recent African weather disasters like Cyclone Freddy, which devastated Mozambique and Malawi in 2023. Experts warn that climate change is fuelling the intensity of such storms, with warmer Indian Ocean waters contributing to Cyclone Chido’s ferocity.
A Call for Unity and Action
Mayotte’s history as part of the Comoros archipelago highlights the need for regional cooperation. Once unified under African rule before French colonisation in 1843, Mayotte’s 1975 referendum to remain French reflects its complex colonial legacy. Now, as it grapples with Cyclone Chido’s devastation, the broader African community must rally to support its recovery.
The United Nations has warned that the remnants of Cyclone Chido could trigger flash floods in neighbouring Malawi and Zimbabwe. Over 1.7 million people remain at risk, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian aid and climate adaptation strategies.
Conclusion
Cyclone Chido’s trail of destruction has laid bare Mayotte’s vulnerability, but it has also illuminated the resilience of its people. As the African archipelago rebuilds, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the shared challenges posed by climate change and the importance of Pan-African solidarity.
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