Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte, Death Toll Expected to Reach Hundreds or Thousands

The death toll from Cyclone Chido, which ravaged the French overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, is expected to reach several hundred, possibly even thousands, according to local authorities. Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville told a local broadcaster that while the exact toll is still unclear, the devastation in the island’s slums, where metal shacks and informal structures were flattened, indicates that the human cost is much higher than the initial confirmed deaths of at least 11.

“We think there are several hundred dead, maybe close to a thousand or even more,” Bieuville said, referring to the severity of the damage. “The images from the slums make it clear that the death toll is likely much higher than what we are currently reporting.”

The tropical cyclone, which struck on Saturday, brought winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph), making it a Category 4 storm, the second strongest on the scale. It caused massive damage across Mayotte, with entire neighborhoods flattened, widespread power outages, and the destruction of public infrastructure, including the airport. The cyclone also affected nearby Comoros and Madagascar, but Mayotte, home to around 300,000 people, bore the brunt of the storm.

As of Sunday, more than 250 people were reported injured, with several in critical condition. The French government has sent rescue teams and supplies to the island, but access has been difficult due to extensive damage to the airport’s control tower, which has limited flights to military aircraft only.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity with the people of Mayotte, saying his thoughts were with the island’s residents. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who will visit Mayotte on Monday, warned that the death toll could rise significantly as authorities continue to assess the damage. Prime Minister François Bayrou noted that infrastructure across the island had been severely damaged, making recovery efforts challenging.

The cyclone’s impact has not been limited to Mayotte. After passing through the island, Cyclone Chido continued its path into northern Mozambique, where authorities are concerned about potential flooding affecting millions of people. UNICEF has reported severe damage in Cabo Delgado province, and landslides are a significant concern. The storm also threatens Malawi and Zimbabwe, where authorities have warned of potential evacuations due to flooding risks.

In response to the crisis, France has mobilized substantial resources to assist Mayotte. An air and sea bridge is being established between Mayotte and the nearby French territory of Reunion, and over 80 tons of supplies have already been sent, with more aid on the way. Additionally, 1,600 police officers and gendarmerie personnel have been deployed to assist the population and prevent looting.

This latest disaster adds to the growing concern about the increasing severity of cyclones in the southwestern Indian Ocean and southern Africa. Experts say that climate change is exacerbating the intensity of storms, and many poor countries in the region, which contribute little to global warming, are left to bear the brunt of these humanitarian crises.

As Mayotte and the wider region continue to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, the international community is being called upon to provide further assistance to help these vulnerable nations cope with the effects of climate change.