Mayotte Cyclone Devastates Communities as Death Toll Expected to Rise

Cyclone Chido has left a trail of devastation in France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, with fears that the death toll could reach several hundred, according to local officials. The cyclone, which made landfall on Saturday with wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), has flattened entire communities and displaced tens of thousands of residents.

Although the official death toll initially stood at 11, Mayotte’s prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, warned that the figure will “definitely be several hundred” as recovery efforts progress, adding that it is possible “a few thousand people had died.” Local hospitals reported 246 injuries, while some sources cited a higher fatality count of at least 14.

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged full support for the territory, announcing the deployment of 250 rescue workers to aid in relief operations. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau described the destruction as catastrophic, noting that all makeshift homes on the island had been obliterated. He expressed grave concerns about the “heavy” death toll and confirmed that emergency teams were working tirelessly to respond.

Mayotte, an archipelago located northwest of Madagascar, is home to approximately 300,000 people. Many residents live in vulnerable housing with sheet metal roofs, leaving them particularly exposed to the cyclone’s fury. Reports indicate that tens of thousands have been left homeless, and significant damage has been sustained at Pamandzi airport, including its control tower. Acting Transport Minister François Durovray announced that military planes and ships are en route to restore air traffic and ensure the delivery of vital supplies.

The cyclone prompted a purple alert, Mayotte’s highest emergency level, which required a strict lockdown for all residents, including emergency personnel. As conditions improved slightly, the alert level was downgraded to red, allowing emergency services to mobilize.

Retailleau revealed that this is the most severe weather event the island has experienced since 1934. Prime Minister François Bayrou, who assumed office just a day before the cyclone struck, has been holding emergency meetings in Paris and receiving hourly updates on the unfolding crisis.

The French government has mobilized significant resources, dispatching 110 civil security personnel and firefighters to the region, with an additional 140 scheduled to arrive soon.