In a tragic turn of events, the idyllic French territory of Mayotte lies in ruins after being battered by Cyclone Chido, the worst storm to hit the archipelago in nearly a century. As rescue efforts intensify, the true extent of the devastation is coming to light through satellite imagery that paints a grim picture of the once-thriving capital, Mamoudzou.
A City Reduced to Rubble
The satellite images, released by Maxar Technologies, reveal the catastrophic damage inflicted upon Mamoudzou. Schools, hospitals, offices, and homes alike have been reduced to ruins, their roofs ripped away by the cyclone’s relentless winds, which exceeded a staggering 220 kph (136 mph). The once-lush greenery that adorned the city now lies brown and lifeless, a testament to the storm’s fury.
Mayotte is totally devastated.
– Bruno Retailleau, French Interior Minister
French officials estimate that 70% of the population has been gravely affected by the cyclone. As of Monday evening, the ministry confirmed 21 deaths at hospitals, with 45 people in critical condition. However, these numbers are likely to be a mere fraction of the true toll.
Hundreds, Possibly Thousands, Feared Dead
French Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq warned that the current death toll is likely a major undercount “compared to the scale of the disaster.” The French Red Cross described the devastation as “unimaginable,” with rescuers still searching for bodies amid the ruins. The damage, including to Mayotte’s sole airport, has left some areas inaccessible to emergency teams.
Nobody believed it would be that big.
– Fahar Abdoulhamidi, Mayotte resident
Many residents, particularly those living in informal settlements known as “bangas,” chose to stay in their homes despite the cyclone, fearing their possessions would be looted. Tragically, this decision may have cost many their lives.
A Territory in Crisis
Mayotte, a densely populated archipelago between Madagascar and the African continent, is home to more than 320,000 people, according to the French government. An additional 100,000 migrants, hailing from as far away as Somalia, are estimated to reside on the islands. The cyclone’s impact has left the territory in a state of crisis, with no electricity, water, and a looming threat of hunger.
There’s no water, no electricity. Hunger is starting to rise. It’s urgent that aid arrives, especially when you see children, babies, to whom we have nothing concrete to offer.
– Salama Ramia, Mayotte Senator
France has dispatched rescue teams and supplies from the mainland and Réunion, with daily airlifts delivering 20 tons of water and food to address the most pressing needs. However, the scale of the destruction means that the road to recovery will be long and arduous.
A Solemn Vow from President Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to declare a national mourning period and plans to visit the archipelago in the coming days. In a somber statement, Macron acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy:
This tragedy has shaken each of us.
– Emmanuel Macron, French President
As the people of Mayotte begin to come to terms with the devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido, the international community must rally to provide support and assistance. The road ahead will be challenging, but with solidarity and determination, Mayotte can rise from the ruins and rebuild.
Mozambique Also Reels from Chido’s Wrath
Mayotte is not the only nation grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido. In Mozambique, where the cyclone made landfall on Sunday, at least 34 people have lost their lives, according to the UN humanitarian agency OCHA. The agency, citing figures from Mozambique’s institute for natural disasters, reported that an estimated 174,158 people have been impacted by the storm, with 319 injured in addition to the 34 fatalities.
As the full scope of Cyclone Chido’s destruction comes into focus, it is clear that the affected regions will require significant support and resources to recover and rebuild. The international community must come together to provide aid, comfort, and hope to the people of Mayotte and Mozambique during this difficult time.
