Devastation in Mayotte as Cyclone Chido Strikes: A Warning for Africa
Cyclone Chido has unleashed havoc on the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, resulting in multiple fatalities and catastrophic destruction as the storm heads towards the eastern coast of Africa. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported an initial, provisional tally indicating several casualties, but emphasized that an accurate assessment of the situation was hindered due to ongoing rescue efforts. "We’re afraid the toll will be high, but for the moment, I can’t give any figures," Retailleau stated during a press conference in Paris.
Mayotte, home to over 300,000 residents dispersed across two principal islands, faced winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph) that ripped roofs off homes and wreaked havoc on infrastructure. François Bayrou, France's new Prime Minister, confirmed extensive damage to public facilities, including the prefecture, hospital, and airport, exacerbating the plight of those residing in vulnerable conditions like slum areas.
In a Facebook post, Mayotte prefect François-Xavier Bieuville described the cyclone as the most violent and destructive since 1934, with many residents losing everything. The highest alert level has since been lifted, allowing rescuers to assist once the worst of the storm passed.
To support the recovery, 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers were sent to the island alongside 110 rescuers and firefighters from mainland France and Reunion Island, with an additional 140 reinforcements on the way. Meanwhile, transport Minister François Durovray reported significant damage to Mayotte's airport, particularly to its control tower. The airport will initially reopen for military aircraft only, while ships are being utilized for supply deliveries.
The situation remains precarious as Mayotte is still under a red alert. The prefect urged inhabitants to stay confined to solid shelters, allowing only emergency and security services outside. Reports indicate thousands of homes without power, with tin huts and small structures obliterated and numerous trees uprooted.
Chido also impacted the nearby nation of Comoros, where officials issued the highest alerts in several areas. Authorities expressed concern for 11 fishermen who have not returned after heading to sea prior to the cyclone. In preparation, Comoros authorities ordered ships to remain in harbors, closed the main airport, and halted operations in government offices and schools.
Forecasts suggest that Chido will maintain its trajectory toward Mozambique as it aims for the African mainland late Saturday or early Sunday. Mozambique's disaster agency has warned that approximately 25 million people might be affected in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Furthermore, landlocked nations like Malawi and Zimbabwe are also bracing for potential impacts, with Malawi's Disaster Management Affairs expecting flooding and advising individuals to seek higher ground. Zimbabwe has similarly cautioned residents to prepare for possible evacuations.
The months from December to March mark cyclone season in the southeastern Indian Ocean, a period that has seen several powerful storms ravage southern Africa in recent years. Cyclone Idai in 2019 resulted in over 1,300 fatalities across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, while Cyclone Freddy caused the deaths of more than 1,000 individuals last year.
These cyclones pose not only an immediate risk of flooding and landslides but also create conditions conducive to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, as well as dengue fever and malaria. Studies indicate that cyclones are worsening due to climate change, leaving poorer nations in southern Africa—who contribute minimally to global climate change—grappling with dire humanitarian crises.
As the international community watches the unfolding disaster, the effects of Cyclone Chido serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of this region and the urgent need for global action on climate resilience.
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