Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte: a humanitarian crisis unfolds

The French territory of Mayotte, in the Indian Ocean, is struggling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, the most intense storm to strike the region in 90 years. The cyclone has left a trail of destruction: homes have been destroyed, roofs ripped away, roads cut off and many villages remain inaccessible. With 31 registered deaths and over 1400 injured, the authorities fear this number will only rise as rescue efforts continue. The main hospital in Mamoudzou has suffered extensive damage, with flooded wards and destroyed equipment. In response, the French government has declared a state of “exceptional natural calamity” which unlocks expedited aid and resources to assist Mayotte, a first under a framework established in 2022 to address natural disasters in overseas territories.

Even before the cyclone, Mayotte was struggling with poverty and inequality: 77% of the population lives below the poverty line and 37% of the workforce is unemployed. Water scarcity, a damaged healthcare system, very poorly structured housing on top of the now contaminated water supplies raise fears of disease outbreaks.

The solidarity of the French nation and international aid are now critical to Mayotte’s recovery. Immediate efforts focus on clearing roads, restoring basic services and searching for survivors. However, rebuilding Mayotte will require long-term investments to address inequalities and strengthen infrastructures to withstand future disasters.