Mayotte Declares Exceptional Natural Disaster Following Cyclone Chido

The recent whirlwind catastrophe has left Mayotte grappling with loss and destruction, marking a historical first for the territory as it navigates through a dire humanitarian crisis.

A state of exceptional natural disaster has been declared in Mayotte following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, which struck the French Indian Ocean territory on Saturday. Reports indicate that at least 31 lives have been lost, with thousands still unaccounted for in the cyclone's aftermath. This declaration is unprecedented in France and comes as President Emmanuel Macron prepares to visit the island on Thursday.

The alarming situation has led to the activation of emergency protocols specifically designed for France's overseas territories. This extraordinary measure allows authorities to bypass administrative hurdles to expedite crisis management and recovery efforts. The emergency state will be in effect for one month but may be extended for additional periods of two months if deemed necessary. “Faced with this exceptional situation, exceptional resources must be deployed to quickly restore vital services and implement a sustainable reconstruction plan for Mayotte,” stated François-Noël Buffet, the minister responsible for overseas territories.

As emergency services work diligently to deliver food and water while clearing roads, officials are also searching for the missing persons. With concerns about the potential outbreak of infectious diseases, health workers emphasize the urgency of restoring clean drinking water supply as many residents report shortages and shops continue rationing. Currently, half of Mayotte remains without electricity, and a night curfew has been imposed to prevent looting and maintain order.

Characterized as one of France's least affluent regions, Mayotte has a population that largely resides in informal housing. It has also been a refuge for approximately 100,000 migrants seeking asylum in France, many of whom have been severely impacted by the cyclone’s devastation. Cyclone Chido is deemed the worst storm to hit the archipelago in nearly a century, with wind speeds surpassing 225 km/h (140 mph), obliterating structures built from sheet metal and leaving a landscape strewn with debris.

Following its destruction in Mayotte, the cyclone has continued its path, claiming at least 58 lives in neighboring Mozambique and Malawi.