The French island of Mayotte has been left devastated by Cyclone Chido, one of the most severe storms to hit the Southwestern Indian Ocean region in recent decades. Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on Saturday, December 14.
By the time it reached the island, the storm had already caused severe flooding and high winds across the Comoros Islands. Mayotte faced the full force of the storm, with wind speeds of up to 226 km/h ripping off rooftops, uprooting trees, and flattening homes.
The Prefecture of Mayotte reported that nearly 70% of the territory’s infrastructure sustained significant damage, making this the most devastating cyclone the island has faced since the 1930s.
The cyclone also brought unprecedented rainfall, resulting in severe flooding across the island. Rivers overflowed, sweeping away vehicles and cutting off access to critical infrastructure. Reports indicate that entire neighborhoods have been submerged, leaving many residents stranded and without shelter.
The Human Toll of the Cyclone Chido Mayotte
Emergency services have reported that 11 people lost their lives during the cyclone, while at least 45 others sustained injuries. As search and rescue teams continue their work, the Mayotte cyclone death toll of casualties is expected to increase.
Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville commented, “I think there are some several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand. Even thousands ... given the violence of this event.″
Hundreds of families have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in makeshift shelters or government-assigned facilities. Emergency services have struggled to respond, with roads blocked by fallen trees and floodwaters complicating rescue efforts. Medical facilities have also been severely impacted.
According to local reports, the main hospital in Mamoudzou, Mayotte's capital, sustained significant damage, and several health centers are currently inoperable. These challenges are placing an enormous strain on efforts to care for the injured and displaced. The disaster is Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's first challenge since Macron appointed him following the collapse of the previous government.
Cyclone Damage in Mayotte: Communities in Crisis
The French island cyclone impact has left thousands of families homeless. Makeshift shelters have been set up in schools and community centers, but these facilities are quickly becoming overcrowded. Water and electricity supplies have been severely disrupted, adding to the challenges faced by residents.
The island’s agriculture, a vital part of its economy, has also suffered extensive losses. Banana plantations and fields of cassava have been wiped out, threatening food security for months to come. Fishing boats, essential to the livelihoods of many, were swept away or destroyed by storm surges.
Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, was particularly hard-hit. Streets remain littered with debris, while collapsed buildings have blocked major roads, delaying relief operations. Aid organizations, including the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, are mobilizing to provide emergency support, but logistical challenges are slowing the delivery of supplies.
The Path Forward
In the aftermath of the cyclone, international aid is beginning to trickle into Mayotte. France has deployed military personnel and equipment to help restore basic services and provide humanitarian assistance. Relief teams are prioritizing food, water, and medical supplies for those most in need.
As Mayotte begins to rebuild, attention will turn to the long-term recovery process. The island's residents face the dual challenge of reconstructing their homes and restoring livelihoods amid ongoing threats from future extreme weather events.