The death toll from Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte on Saturday, is expected to reach several hundred, with fears it could climb higher, according to local officials.
The powerful storm brought winds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), flattening entire communities and leaving tens of thousands homeless in the French Indian Ocean territory.
Growing Death Toll
Although the last confirmed toll was 11, Mayotte’s prefect François-Xavier Bieuville told local media the number would “definitely be several hundred” and could possibly reach “a few thousand” as the full extent of the damage is assessed.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed deep concern, stating that all makeshift homes had been destroyed, likely contributing to a “heavy” loss of life.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged support for the island, announcing the deployment of 250 rescue workers and emergency supplies to aid recovery efforts.
Widespread Destruction
The cyclone caused catastrophic damage across the island of Grand-Terre and surrounding islets. Most of Mayotte’s 300,000 residents live in precarious structures with metal sheet roofs, many of which were obliterated by the storm.
Electricity, water, and internet services are down across the island, and Mayotte’s main airport, Pamandzi, sustained significant damage, including to its control tower. Military aircraft are being used to deliver aid, while ships are en route to resupply the territory.
Emergency responders also faced immense challenges, with Mayotte’s fire chief reporting communication breakdowns and widespread infrastructure damage, including to buildings designed to withstand earthquakes.
France Mobilizes Response
Interior Minister Retailleau said 110 civil security personnel and firefighters were already on the ground, with an additional 140 arriving soon. French Prime Minister François Bayrou, who took office just days ago, called the cyclone “exceptionally severe” and held emergency meetings to coordinate relief efforts.
Regional Impact
After battering Mayotte, Cyclone Chido intensified as it crossed the Mozambique Channel, unleashing heavy rains and winds of up to 185 km/h (115 mph) on northern Mozambique. The city of Pemba experienced significant flooding, uprooted trees, and widespread damage.
As the cyclone moves inland, authorities warn of heavy rains and flooding across southern Malawi and Zimbabwe in the coming days, compounding the regional humanitarian crisis.
This marks the most severe weather event to hit Mayotte since 1934, leaving the island grappling with unprecedented devastation and uncertainty.