A senior official warned on Sunday that the death toll from Cyclone Chido’s devastating passage through Mayotte could reach into the hundreds, possibly even thousands. As France rushes rescue workers and supplies to the region, efforts to assist are being hindered by significant damage to airports, power infrastructure, and a pre-existing water shortage.
“I think there will definitely be several hundred, perhaps we will come close to a thousand or even several thousand deaths,” said Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville, speaking to Mayotte la Premiere. He added that it would be difficult to establish a final count, as many residents, who are predominantly Muslim, traditionally bury their dead within 24 hours.
The European Union and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have pledged their support, with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirming that his organization stands ready to help the affected communities. The Red Cross has also expressed its willingness to intervene.
In the capital Mamoudzou, Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila reported that nine people were in critical condition, with over 240 others seriously injured. The storm left widespread destruction, particularly in the island’s shantytown areas, where many makeshift homes were completely wiped out. Local officials have reported that nearly 100,000 people, including undocumented migrants, are living in precarious conditions, complicating rescue operations.
Cyclone Chido struck the islands with winds of over 226 km/h (140 mph), causing widespread destruction. Power lines were downed, trees uprooted, and homes destroyed. One resident described the scene as apocalyptic as he navigated blocked roads.
France has already dispatched significant aid, including medical supplies and personnel, with additional support expected. A navy ship from La Reunion, another French Indian Ocean territory, is en route to Mayotte, carrying medical supplies, electrical equipment, and military personnel.
Pope Francis, visiting Corsica on Sunday, called for prayers for the victims of the cyclone, while French President Macron assured that the government would do everything to support the island’s recovery.
Cyclone Chido also struck neighboring Mozambique early Sunday, causing fatalities in the northern city of Pemba. So far, at least three deaths have been confirmed, with further damage reported to homes, schools, and health facilities. UNICEF is on the ground in Mozambique, working with the government to restore essential services.
The cyclone, which was intensified by unusually warm Indian Ocean waters, is part of a global pattern of increasingly severe storms driven by climate change. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that nearly 1.7 million people are at risk due to the storm’s ongoing impact, with flash floods expected in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
