Cyclone Chido: many missing in Mayotte as death toll rises in south-east Africa | Mayotte
Mayotte Reels from Cyclone Chido as Death Toll mounts Across Region
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MAYOTTE, FRANCE – The idyllic French island territory of Mayotte is struggling to recover after Cyclone Chido ripped through its shores on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction and uncertainty in its wake. While the official death toll stands at 21, fears are mounting that the true number of casualties could be far higher.
Large swathes of Mayotte’s main island, Grande-Terre, remain isolated, cut off from essential services like electricity, water, internet, and phone networks. Roads are impassable in many areas, hampering rescue efforts and leaving residents stranded and anxious.
“The situation remains chaotic,” said Alexis Duclos, editor in chief of local news service Flash Infos. ”A large part of Mayotte still does not have electricity or water. The same goes for the telephone network; many still have no news of their loved ones.”
Duclos, who had to flee his apartment moments before its roof was ripped off by the cyclone, described the desperate situation unfolding on the island.”Shops are only partially open to avoid crowds, people are waiting in front of banks because the cash machines are out of order, gas stations are refusing to serve people because fuel is reserved for emergency services and law enforcement,” he said.
Adding to the growing concern, the Red Cross reported that 200 of its volunteers are unaccounted for, raising fears of a considerably higher death toll.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido extends beyond Mayotte. In neighboring Mozambique, the cyclone claimed the lives of 34 people and destroyed over 23,600 homes. Malawi also suffered important damage, with seven confirmed fatalities and nearly 35,000 people affected.
As rescue workers continue their tireless efforts to reach those in need, the full extent of the damage and the true human cost of Cyclone chido are only beginning to emerge.
Mayotte Reels from Devastating Cyclone, Fear hinders Aid Efforts
MAYOTTE, FRANCE - The French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte is struggling to recover from the devastating impact of Cyclone Cheneso, which ripped through the island with winds of up to 140 mph (225 km/h) on Monday.While official reports place the death toll at 19, many fear the true number could be far higher, particularly among undocumented migrants living in vulnerable informal settlements.
Mayotte, the poorest part of France, is home to an estimated 320,000 people, with authorities suggesting the actual population could be as high as 520,000 due to illegal migration from nearby Comoros. An estimated one-third of the population resides in densely populated, tin-roofed informal settlements, many of which were flattened by the cyclone.
Adding to the tragedy, many undocumented migrants chose not to seek shelter during the storm, fearing deportation. This fear is now hindering aid efforts, as many are reluctant to come forward for assistance.
“The real toll of those swept away by the mud, winds and tin from shantytowns will never be known,” Estelle Youssouffa, a deputy for Mayotte in France’s parliament, told France inter radio. “This population, by definition undocumented migrants, are the main victims of this tragedy because they feared going to shelters.”
Youssouffa recounted a conversation with an imam on Monday who described burying more than 30 people in the informal settlement of La Vigie.
The cyclone has left a trail of destruction across Mayotte, with homes destroyed, infrastructure damaged, and essential services disrupted. French President Emmanuel macron has pledged support for the island, promising aid and resources to help with the recovery effort.
The disaster highlights the precarious situation faced by undocumented migrants in Mayotte, who often live in overcrowded and unsafe conditions, lacking access to basic services and facing constant fear of deportation. The cyclone’s aftermath underscores the urgent need for complete solutions to address the complex challenges facing the island.
French President Macron Vows Aid After Devastating Cyclone Hits Mayotte
MAYOTTE, FRANCE – French President Emmanuel macron pledged support and a visit to the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte in the wake of Cyclone Chido, which ripped through the archipelago, leaving a trail of destruction and sparking fears of a humanitarian crisis.
Macron, who chaired an emergency meeting Monday night, declared a period of national mourning, underscoring the severity of the situation. Interior Minister bruno Retailleau, who visited Mayotte’s main island, reported no looting but confirmed the dire need for reinforcements. An additional 400 gendarmes will be deployed to bolster the existing 1,600 gendarmes and police officers already on the ground.
The cyclone,described as “extraordinary” by meteorologists,struck an area already grappling with a devastating drought. Millions across southern Africa were facing food insecurity even before the storm,with the next harvest not expected until April.”The cyclone was made worse by climate breakdown, fueled by especially warm Indian Ocean waters,” explained Francois Gourand, a meteorologist with Meteo France.
Darkouai Hakim, a Mayotte native working in france, expressed deep concern for his family and the island’s future. ”What worries me is that we are only at the beginning of the cyclone season,” he said. “I am afraid there will be another one and there will be chaos.”
While Hakim’s parents and in-laws in the less affected southern part of Grande-terre are safe, he fears the long-term consequences of the storm.”There was already not enough water before the cyclone,” he added, highlighting the pre-existing challenges exacerbated by the disaster.
Said Valdo, an IT entrepreneur, described the struggle to access basic communication. He had to travel 20 miles from his village to the capital, Mamoudzou, just to find phone and internet service.
Valdo believes the cyclone should serve as a wake-up call. “We are overpopulated so,if there is no long-term solution,unluckily what is happening now will be multiplied in the coming years,” he warned.
The French government’s response and the resilience of the Mayotte community will be crucial in the coming weeks and months as the island recovers from this devastating natural disaster.
Mayotte Grapples with Cyclone Aftermath: A Conversation with Local Journalist Alexis Duclos
NewsDirectory3.com – Following the devastating impact of cyclones Chido and Cheneso on Mayotte, NewsDirectory3.com spoke with Alexis Duclos, editor in chief of local news service flash Infos, to understand the situation on the ground and the ongoing recovery efforts.
ND3: mr. Duclos, Mayotte has been deeply impacted by these back-to-back cyclones. Could you describe the current situation on the island?
Duclos: The situation remains incredibly challenging. While Cyclone Chido caused substantial damage and flooding, Cyclone Cheneso has been even more destructive. Communication networks are still severely disrupted, with many people still unable to contact loved ones. Access to essential services like water, electricity, and healthcare remains limited in many areas.
ND3: There are concerns that the official death toll may not reflect the true number of casualties. What are you hearing from people on the ground?
Duclos: Absolutely. Many residents believe the actual death toll could be significantly higher, particularly in informal settlements that were severely affected. These settlements are often overcrowded and constructed with fragile materials, making them highly vulnerable to powerful cyclones. The Red Cross itself reported missing volunteers, further fueling these fears.
ND3: What are the biggest challenges facing the island right now?
Duclos:
Communication breakdowns: Isolated communities lack access to information and communication,making it incredibly difficult to coordinate relief efforts and reconnect families.
Limited access to essential services: The damage to infrastructure has disrupted the supply of water, electricity, healthcare, and food.
* The plight of undocumented migrants: A significant portion of Mayotte’s population consists of undocumented migrants who live in vulnerable conditions. These communities are frequently enough hesitant to seek help due to fear of deportation, further complicating relief efforts.
ND3: How are people coping with the aftermath of these cyclones?
Duclos: people are demonstrating unbelievable resilience.
Neighbors are helping neighbors, sharing whatever resources they have. However, the trauma is palpable, and there is a deep sense of uncertainty about the future.
ND3: What kind of support is needed from the international community?
Duclos: Mayotte desperately needs humanitarian assistance,including food,clean water,shelter,and medical supplies. The focus should be on reaching the most vulnerable communities, including undocumented migrants and those living in isolated areas.
Moreover, long-term support is crucial for the island’s recovery, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening its resilience against future natural disasters.
ND3: Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Mr. Duclos. Our thoughts are with the people of Mayotte during this difficult time.
Duclos: Thank you. I urge everyone to remember Mayotte and support its people as they face this immense challenge.