France rushes aid to Mayotte after Cyclone Chido devastation

France responded swiftly on Monday to the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, which hit Mayotte, a French island territory off Africa, with emergency operations deploying ships and military aircraft to provide rescue and relief efforts. Cyclone Chido, the worst to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, left widespread destruction and raised fears that hundreds, possibly thousands, of people had perished.

The cyclone, which struck the island on Saturday, devastated entire neighborhoods, causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Mayotte residents, some of whom had survived the cyclone, were seen walking through debris-filled streets searching for basic necessities such as food and water. The storm’s winds reached speeds of 220 kph (136 mph), ripping off roofs and uprooting trees. In Mamoudzou, the capital of Mayotte, destruction was overwhelming. The local hospital, schools, restaurants, and offices were reduced to rubble, leaving survivors in dire conditions.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his deep sorrow, stating that he would declare a national mourning period and planned to visit the island in the coming days. “This tragedy has shaken each of us,” he remarked. Fahar Abdoulhamidi, a resident of Mayotte, described the aftermath as chaotic, with widespread devastation and a desperate search for survival essentials.

The French Ministry of the Interior has confirmed 21 deaths and 45 people in critical condition. However, Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq cautioned that these numbers were likely underestimates, given the vast scale of the disaster. With widespread power outages and disrupted telecommunications, officials are concerned about an impending shortage of drinking water. The French Red Cross described the situation as “unimaginable,” with rescuers still searching for bodies. The cyclone had severely damaged the island’s sole airport, complicating rescue efforts and preventing some areas from receiving immediate aid.

Many of Mayotte’s residents, particularly those in informal settlements known as “bangas,” ignored cyclone warnings before the storm struck. Abdoulhamidi noted that some residents feared looters more than the storm itself, while others, particularly migrants, avoided seeking shelter due to concerns about deportation. Mayotte’s population of over 320,000 includes a significant number of migrants, with many coming from Somalia and other regions of Africa.

Mayotte, one of France’s poorest territories, has long suffered from underinvestment and neglect. Approximately 75% of the population lives in poverty, and basic infrastructure such as water supply has been lacking. Senator Salama Ramia of Mayotte echoed concerns about the urgent need for aid, stating that “hunger is starting to rise,” especially as children and babies face worsening conditions. The situation has prompted calls for immediate international support to address the growing crisis.

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, was the strongest to hit Mayotte since the 1930s. It inflicted catastrophic damage, and while French authorities initially estimated that the death toll could be in the hundreds, there are concerns that many deaths may not be recorded due to cultural practices of burying the deceased within 24 hours, especially among the island’s Muslim population.

In response, France has sent numerous rescue teams and supplies to the island. Daily airlifts are delivering critical provisions, including food and 20 tons of water. The French government has also dispatched 1,500 additional personnel, including military and security forces, to assist in recovery efforts and prevent looting. A field hospital is expected to arrive soon to assist with medical care.

Cyclone Chido, which originated in the southwestern Indian Ocean, continued its destructive path after leaving Mayotte. It made landfall in Mozambique on Sunday, where it caused further casualties, including three deaths and 34 injuries. The storm also destroyed several schools in the region. In neighboring Malawi, Chido claimed two lives.

The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, spanning from December to March, has caused significant devastation in recent years. Previous storms, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, left more than 1,300 people dead in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Last year, Cyclone Freddy caused over 1,000 fatalities across multiple countries in the Indian Ocean and southern Africa.

On Monday, the European Parliament observed a minute of silence to honor the victims of Cyclone Chido. Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed solidarity with Mayotte, stating, “Mayotte is Europe, and Europe will not abandon you.” This sentiment reflects the broader sense of unity and support for Mayotte in the face of this unparalleled disaster.