Mayotte, France's Indian Ocean territory, has been hit hard by Cyclone Chido, marking the most severe cyclone to strike the region in nearly a century. Reports confirm at least two fatalities, with local officials expressing fears of an even larger death toll. Cyclone Chido made landfall on Saturday, unleashing wind gusts exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph) and bringing catastrophic destruction to the island's infrastructure.
A local representative described the situation in the shanty towns as "completely destroyed," corroborating concerns raised by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau about a "heavy" loss of life. President Emmanuel Macron assured the residents that France would provide necessary support in this crisis, with 250 firefighters and rescue personnel dispatched to the island, already beginning to arrive.
Situated northwest of Madagascar, Mayotte comprises one main island, Grand-Terre, alongside several smaller landmasses. Just ahead of the cyclone's peak impact, initial reports highlighted extensive damage including uprooted trees, demolished roofs, and downed power lines. Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, head of the firefighting union, revealed to BFM news that emergency responders cannot operate due to obstructed communication, stating, "even emergency responders are locked down."
Buildings that met earthquake-resistant standards have also sustained significant damage. Reports indicate that the emergency services command center has been evacuated and is functioning under limited capacity. Pamandzi airport has "suffered major damage," particularly to its control tower, as noted by acting French Transport Minister Francois Durovray on X. To facilitate initial air traffic restoration, military aid planes will be deployed, and ships are en route for the resupply.
Retailleau confirmed in a statement on X that local and central government emergency services are fully engaged, with 110 civil security and fire personnel already on the ground. Additionally, a follow-up deployment of 140 personnel is planned.
Prime Minister François Bayrou, who assumed office just the day prior, acknowledged the cyclone’s exceptional severity and affirmed that he is being continuously updated on the developing situation. At the outset, authorities issued a purple alert—indicating the highest level of warning—and imposed a strict lockdown encompassing all residents, including emergency services. This alert level has since been reduced to red to permit emergency teams to commence essential operations.
As the crisis unfolds, there are concerns that the cyclone may impact Mozambique on the African mainland.
