MAMOUDZOU, Mayotte – Families affected by Cyclone Chido, which struck the French island territory of Mayotte, voiced feelings of despair as they awaited aid and the arrival of France’s president on Wednesday. An additional 180 tons of humanitarian assistance were scheduled to reach the region the following day.
Survivors and various aid organizations have recounted hasty burials and highlighted the urgent need for help amid the overwhelming smell of decaying bodies. The cyclone’s aftermath devastated numerous informal settlements, making it difficult to accurately account for the number of casualties, especially given the presence of many migrants. French authorities characterized the situation as a “catastrophe of exceptional intensity,” confirming 31 deaths but noting that the local Muslim custom of burying the deceased within 24 hours complicates understanding the true scale of the tragedy.
Located in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s eastern coast, Mayotte is France’s most impoverished territory and has become a destination for many migrants aspiring to reach Europe. In light of the cyclone, which struck on Saturday and was the deadliest storm to hit the area in nearly a century, France’s interior minister proposed stricter immigration measures. Winds during the cyclone exceeded 220 kph (136 mph), and many residents underestimated its force, disregarding storm warnings.
In the wake of the storm, residents are navigating a devastated landscape in search of food, facing disrupted telecommunications and damage to even the most secure buildings, such as health centers. Reports from the area depict ruined homes, fallen trees, and long lines of people waiting for water. A group of French military personnel has established a temporary camp at the airport to assist with the relief efforts.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou reported that over 1,500 individuals suffered injuries, with more than 200 critically wounded, as officials fear that the death toll could reach hundreds or even thousands. Approximately 100,000 residents were living in precarious conditions prior to the cyclone.
Meanwhile, on the nearby French island of Reunion, families came together to gather essential supplies for the survivors in Mayotte. Many expressed concern that loved ones are without food and water and that roofs have been ripped off homes. The struggle to reconnect with some family members took days, causing additional anxiety.
“It is difficult because I feel helpless,” stated Khayra Djoumoi Thany, 19, reflecting the sentiments experienced by many. Another relative, Anrafa Parassouramin, expressed fears of potential disease outbreaks due to reliance on unsafe water sources following the cyclone. Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq has warned about the risk of a cholera outbreak, particularly following an earlier incident earlier this year involving a drug-resistant strain of the disease.
The distribution of 23 tons of clean water commenced on Wednesday to aid the affected population. Additionally, the French minister responsible for overseas matters revealed that deliveries of aid arriving by plane have begun to be dispatched across Mayotte.
The minister reported that the island’s water supply system was operating at just 50% capacity, presenting a risk of substandard water quality, although electricity has started to return to some areas. The local hospital sustained significant damage, but a field hospital is expected to be operational by early next week.
Although a naval vessel is slated to arrive on Thursday with 180 tons of supplies and equipment, the primary airport is currently unable to handle commercial flights due to damage, further complicating the response efforts.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Mayotte on Thursday to tour a hospital and inspect the destruction in affected neighborhoods. He remarked, “Our compatriots are living through the worst just a few thousand kilometers away.”
Longstanding grievances among some Mayotte residents include allegations of neglect by the French government. Additionally, a fundraising program aired by public broadcaster France 2 successfully raised 5 million euros (approximately $5.24 million) for the disaster relief efforts through the Foundation of France charity.