Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Macron to Visit Survivors

Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Macron to Visit Survivors \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Cyclone Chido, the most devastating storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, has left 22 confirmed dead and thousands feared missing. French authorities imposed an overnight curfew to prevent looting, while military planes deliver critical aid. French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the island, where 70% of the population has been affected, and urgent efforts are underway to restore essential services and prevent disease outbreaks.

Mayotte’s Cyclone Crisis: Quick Looks

• Cyclone Chido has caused catastrophic damage, with over 22 dead and thousands feared missing.
• French military planes deliver daily food, water, and medical supplies to the island.
• The island’s hospital is severely damaged, and only 6 of 20 health centers remain functional.
• Migrants, many undocumented, are among the hardest-hit populations, fearing shelters.
• French President Macron plans to visit Mayotte as aid efforts intensify.
• Cholera risk looms as access to clean water remains critical.

Deep Look

Mayotte, France’s poorest territory, is grappling with widespread devastation in the wake of Cyclone Chido, the deadliest storm to hit the Indian Ocean archipelago in nearly a century. French authorities announced an overnight curfew and ramped up aid efforts to stabilize the region and prevent further tragedy.

Catastrophic Impact and Rising Death Toll

Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte over the weekend with unprecedented intensity, leaving a trail of destruction. The official death toll has risen to 22, according to Mayotte Hospital, but local officials fear the actual number is far higher. Prime Minister François Bayrou revealed that over 1,500 people were injured, with more than 200 in critical condition.

Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and 70% of the population has been directly affected. Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila of Mamoudzou, the island’s capital, voiced concerns about decomposing bodies creating health hazards.

“The priority today is water and food,” Soumaila told RFI radio.

The French Interior Ministry reported that 80% of telecom services are down, making communication nearly impossible across the archipelago. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies confirmed it has lost contact with over 200 volunteers on the ground.

Aid Efforts and Military Mobilization

The French military has deployed hundreds of personnel to Mayotte and is delivering up to 50 tons of aid daily, including food, water, and medicine. A temporary field hospital is expected to arrive Thursday to address the urgent needs of the injured and sick.

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged his support, announcing plans to visit Mayotte on Thursday.

“Our compatriots are living through the worst just a few thousand kilometers away, and I will be by their side,” Macron said in a statement.

The French government has released €655,000 ($687,000) to finance immediate relief efforts, while Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has pledged an additional €250,000 ($262,000) from the city’s emergency fund.

Curfew Imposed to Prevent Looting

To maintain order, authorities have imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., citing incidents of looting in areas without electricity.

“When night falls, there are people who take advantage of that situation,” Soumaila said.

The curfew aims to protect damaged buildings and ensure the safety of residents.

Migrants Among the Hardest Hit

Undocumented migrants living in Mayotte’s shantytowns have borne the brunt of the cyclone’s destruction. Lawmaker Estelle Youssouffa described the immense challenges in accounting for these victims.

“The real toll of those swept away by the mud, winds, and tin from shantytowns will never be known,” she said.

Youssouffa shared an imam’s account of burying more than 30 people in a single day at La Vigie, a makeshift settlement. Many migrants avoided shelters due to fears of deportation, leaving them exposed to the cyclone’s full force.

Healthcare and Sanitation Crisis

With only six of the island’s 20 health centers still functional, medical services are overwhelmed. Médecins du Monde (MDM) Director Jean-François Corty warned of a potential cholera epidemic if clean water access is not restored quickly.

“Cholera is circulating. It might turn into an epidemic if there is no way to ensure efficient access to water,” Corty said.

The damaged healthcare system struggles to address cyclone injuries, chronic illnesses, and ongoing cholera cases caused by a drug-resistant strain earlier this year.

Government and Political Response

Prime Minister François Bayrou has faced criticism for his handling of the crisis, including his decision not to travel to Mayotte or attend a crisis meeting in person. Bayrou defended his actions, emphasizing that he has been working closely with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is on-site.

Bayrou also announced plans to launch innovative housing projects to support reconstruction.

“French companies and architecture schools will undoubtedly contribute to reshaping Mayotte,” Bayrou said, referencing plans for affordable, easy-to-assemble housing.

The prime minister dismissed calls to declare a state of emergency, instead proposing the use of European Union recovery funds and national solidarity initiatives to rebuild.

“We rebuilt Notre Dame in five years. We’ve got less time than that to restore normal living conditions in Mayotte.”

Cyclone Chido’s Legacy

Cyclone Chido underscores the vulnerability of Mayotte’s impoverished population to natural disasters. The storm’s aftermath has not only laid bare the island’s infrastructure deficiencies but also heightened political tensions in France. As aid efforts continue, the focus remains on restoring basic services, preventing disease outbreaks, and rebuilding communities.

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