Cyclone Chido has struck Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, with unprecedented force, causing “apocalyptic scenes” and widespread devastation. The worst storm to hit the island in 90 years, Chido brought wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), leaving the poorest communities in ruins. Many residents, living in flimsy sheet-metal roof shacks, have lost everything, and survivors are grappling with severe shortages of food, water, and shelter.
As per the sources of Leaders team, French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to visit the island in the coming days, pledging support for rescue teams and affected citizens. As of now, at least 20 people have been confirmed dead, with local officials fearing the toll could rise to thousands. Efforts to establish the full extent of the damage are hindered by the large population of undocumented migrants, estimated at over 100,000, and widespread infrastructure destruction, including downed power lines and impassable roads.
Rescue operations are being severely delayed due to the scale of the disaster. Some 85% of the island is without power, and many areas remain without access to clean water. In Mamoudzou, the capital, 27-year-old midwife Amalia Mazon described the situation as dire, noting that the available water was “completely yellow” and unusable. The healthcare system has also been badly affected, with facilities unable to operate due to the destruction.
According to the sources of Leaders team, the island, a French overseas territory that voted to remain part of France when its neighbors chose independence in 1974, is already grappling with high poverty rates and unemployment. Approximately 75% of the population lives below the poverty line, and unemployment is at around 30%. The cyclone has disproportionately impacted these vulnerable communities, including many undocumented migrants who were living in slum-like conditions.
French authorities have mobilized to provide aid, with 110 soldiers already on the ground and another 160 on the way, alongside hundreds of volunteers. However, the French Red Cross reported that relief efforts have been chaotic, with only a small fraction of their volunteers able to reach the island.
As the island begins to recover, officials are bracing for the possibility of even greater loss of life. The full impact of Cyclone Chido will continue to unfold in the coming days, with additional aid expected to arrive from neighboring territories, including Reunion.
