Following the passage of Cyclone Chido, Mayotte, France's Indian Ocean territory, has sustained severe damage in what local officials describe as the worst cyclone to hit the region in nearly a century. The storm made landfall on Saturday with staggering wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), resulting in at least two confirmed deaths and concerns that many more may be trapped under debris.
Local sources indicate that shantytowns have been "completely destroyed," prompting urgent statements from French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who expressed grave worries about a potential "heavy" death toll. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that the country would offer its full support to the island's affected inhabitants.
In response to the crisis, France has dispatched a contingent of 250 firefighters and security specialists to assist local authorities, some of whom have already arrived on the island. Struck by the cyclone's furious winds, Mayotte—comprising the main island, Grand-Terre, alongside several smaller satellite islands—witnessed widespread devastation even before the brunt of the storm hit.
Reports describe extensive uprooting of trees, destruction of buildings, and downed power lines, leaving emergency response efforts nearly immobilized. Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, leader of the firefighters' union, disclosed to BFM news that "even emergency responders are locked down," highlighting the challenges they face in reaching those in need. Communication has been severely hindered, and emergency services are now functioning at a limited capacity.
Critical infrastructure, including the Pamandzi airport, has suffered significant damage, particularly to its control tower. To ensure continued support during the disaster, the French government announced that air traffic would soon resume through military aid flights, with ships en route to the island for essential supply operations.
Minister Retailleau expressed his steadfast commitment to the island's inhabitants, stating that 110 civilian security personnel and firefighters have already been deployed, with plans to send an additional 140. French Prime Minister François Bayrou, new to the role, described the cyclone as of "exceptional severity," and is being updated on the unfolding situation "hour by hour."
The cyclone's impact continues to affect the region, with Mayotte initially issued a purple alert—the highest level of warning—which has since shifted to a red alert to facilitate responsive actions from emergency services. The storm is also expected to pose threats as it progresses towards the African mainland, particularly Mozambique.
Local sources indicate that shantytowns have been "completely destroyed," prompting urgent statements from French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who expressed grave worries about a potential "heavy" death toll. French President Emmanuel Macron pledged that the country would offer its full support to the island's affected inhabitants.
In response to the crisis, France has dispatched a contingent of 250 firefighters and security specialists to assist local authorities, some of whom have already arrived on the island. Struck by the cyclone's furious winds, Mayotte—comprising the main island, Grand-Terre, alongside several smaller satellite islands—witnessed widespread devastation even before the brunt of the storm hit.
Reports describe extensive uprooting of trees, destruction of buildings, and downed power lines, leaving emergency response efforts nearly immobilized. Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, leader of the firefighters' union, disclosed to BFM news that "even emergency responders are locked down," highlighting the challenges they face in reaching those in need. Communication has been severely hindered, and emergency services are now functioning at a limited capacity.
Critical infrastructure, including the Pamandzi airport, has suffered significant damage, particularly to its control tower. To ensure continued support during the disaster, the French government announced that air traffic would soon resume through military aid flights, with ships en route to the island for essential supply operations.
Minister Retailleau expressed his steadfast commitment to the island's inhabitants, stating that 110 civilian security personnel and firefighters have already been deployed, with plans to send an additional 140. French Prime Minister François Bayrou, new to the role, described the cyclone as of "exceptional severity," and is being updated on the unfolding situation "hour by hour."
The cyclone's impact continues to affect the region, with Mayotte initially issued a purple alert—the highest level of warning—which has since shifted to a red alert to facilitate responsive actions from emergency services. The storm is also expected to pose threats as it progresses towards the African mainland, particularly Mozambique.
