The French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte faces a catastrophic humanitarian crisis after Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit the region in nearly a century, left hundreds—and potentially thousands—dead.
Francois-Xavier Bieuville, Mayotte’s prefect, estimated the death toll could exceed a thousand, calling the situation “tragic.” The French interior ministry acknowledged the challenge of determining the exact toll, citing widespread destruction and Mayotte’s cultural practice of burying the dead within 24 hours.
Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte overnight with winds exceeding 200 kph (124 mph), causing extensive damage to homes, government buildings, and the island’s primary hospital. “This feels like the aftermath of a nuclear war,” said Mohamed Ishmael, a resident of Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital. Entire neighborhoods were swept away, as aerial footage revealed wreckage scattered across the hills.
Images from local media showed stark scenes of devastation: a mother pushing a newborn’s crib through the flooded corridors of a hospital, capsized police boats washed ashore, and coconut trees smashing through rooftops.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Mayotte, lamenting the tragedy and promising aid. “My thoughts are with our compatriots who have lost everything, including their loved ones,” Macron said.
A Precarious Situation Exacerbated by Poverty and Migration
Mayotte, home to over 100,000 undocumented migrants from neighboring Comoros, has long struggled with poverty and limited resources. Over 75% of its population lives below France’s poverty line, and earlier this year, a severe water shortage fueled unrest.
Illegal immigration from Comoros, driven by Mayotte’s higher living standards and access to French welfare systems, has compounded social tensions. The cyclone’s aftermath has heightened concerns over food, water, and sanitation access.
To aid the crisis, the French government has established an air bridge from Reunion Island, another French overseas territory, to deliver emergency relief.
Cyclone’s Regional Impact
After devastating Mayotte, Cyclone Chido moved on to northern Mozambique, causing damage to power and telecommunications infrastructure, according to internet monitor NetBlocks. Comoros reported minor injuries, displacement of 24 individuals, and destruction of 21 homes.
Mayotte, colonized by France in 1843 and annexed in 1904, remains French despite Comoros’ independence in 1975. This disaster underscores the ongoing vulnerabilities of the archipelago, which is located 8,000 km from Paris and has faced decades of neglect and social unrest.
Cyclone Chido is the first major challenge for newly-appointed French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who pledged full government support to Mayotte as it grapples with the storm’s devastating aftermath.
