Survivors recount harrowing experiences from Cyclone Chido devastation in Mayotte

Mon Feb 03 2025 04:11:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Survivors recount harrowing experiences from Cyclone Chido devastation in Mayotte

Residents share their heartbreaking stories as their lives are forever changed by the cyclone's wrath.


In Mayotte, survivors of Cyclone Chido recount the destruction and heartache caused by one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in nearly a century.

Zinedine Mohamed's family faced devastating losses when Cyclone Chido struck the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte. Living in a small house made of corrugated iron and wood with eight relatives, Zinedine had received warnings from authorities but underestimated the storm.

"I thought it was like in previous years when they warned that a cyclone was coming but it would just be a bit of rain," he explained, illustrating the disbelief that many felt. However, Cyclone Chido brought winds exceeding 124mph (200km/h), wreaking havoc across the island, leading to 31 confirmed deaths and thousands of others feared missing.

When a second warning prompted Zinedine to action, he urged his mother to evacuate to a neighbor's more secure brick home. Despite the danger, Zinedine felt compelled to stay and protect his family, stating, "I'd rather die than leave my mum to die." He described the chaos during the storm, where they sought shelter while debris flew around them, eventually saving his younger siblings and getting his frightened mother to safety.

"We're all safe, but we've lost everything. The only things we saved were our papers and diplomas," he lamented. The recovery efforts are slow, as materials for rebuilding are scarce, but Zinedine is determined to fix his home with what he can find.

In a similar plight, 18-year-old Yasmine Moussa and her three children sought refuge in a local school after the storm. The conditions were less than ideal, with the family's safety and security compromised in the shelter. Citing a lack of significant government support, she expressed her despair as she watched her home and neighborhood succumb to devastation.

"On the day of the cyclone, my children were crying... they couldn't sleep that night," Yasmine recounted, highlighting the impact on her young family.

The Red Cross estimates around 100,000 people have sought shelter due to the cyclone's aftermath. While President Emmanuel Macron has promised compensation, many in Mayotte feel neglected and argue for urgent aid to rebuild their lives.

As frustration grows over the slow response from authorities, Zinedine concluded, "We're humans at the end of the day. And we need help." In the face of adversity, residents continue to band together, showcasing resilience despite the overwhelming challenges they confront.

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