Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Heads Towards East Africa

 

Cyclone Chido, a powerful storm with wind speeds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph), has caused widespread devastation in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean. At least 14 fatalities have been confirmed, with officials fearing the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.

Impact on Mayotte

• Most Destructive Cyclone Since 1934: Local officials described Cyclone Chido as the most devastating storm to hit the island in nearly 90 years.
• Infrastructure Damage:
  • Homes were destroyed, public facilities severely damaged, and thousands left without electricity.
  • Mayotte’s airport, including its control tower, sustained heavy damage, disrupting air traffic.
  • The island’s hospital and government buildings were also affected, particularly in areas with precarious housing.
• Relief Efforts:
  • French authorities deployed 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers to assist with security and recovery.
  • Additional emergency responders from mainland France and Reunion Island are en route to support local teams.

Mayotte’s prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, highlighted the unprecedented destruction, noting, “Many of us have lost everything.”

Regional Concerns

• Comoros: The neighboring nation has also felt the storm’s impact, issuing high alerts, closing public facilities, and searching for 11 missing fishermen.
• Mozambique: Chido is expected to make landfall on Mozambique’s eastern coast, potentially affecting 2.5 million people in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Preparations are underway for evacuations and relief.
• Malawi and Zimbabwe: Inland regions are bracing for flooding, with local authorities advising relocations and emergency measures.

Broader Implications

The destruction caused by Cyclone Chido is a grim reminder of the increasingly severe cyclone seasons in the Indian Ocean, exacerbated by climate change. Recent years have seen catastrophic events, including Cyclones Idai (2019) and Freddy (2023), which collectively claimed over 2,300 lives across southern Africa.

In addition to immediate damage, stagnant floodwaters raise the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and malaria, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

French Government Response

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged close monitoring of the situation, while newly appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou is coordinating relief efforts. Transport Minister François Durovray announced initial priority for military aircraft in reopening Mayotte’s airport to facilitate aid deliveries.

Cyclone Chido’s path underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and preparedness in regions vulnerable to extreme weather.