In the aftermath of Cyclone Chido—the most destructive storm to hit Mayotte in nearly a century—French President Emmanuel Macron has announced an immediate visit to the French Indian Ocean territory.
The cyclone tore through the island, leaving behind unprecedented devastation, with hundreds feared dead and thousands still missing.
Macron’s Response to Cyclone Chido’s Impact
Following the cyclone’s destruction, President Macron convened an emergency meeting at France’s Interior Ministry crisis center to devise a response plan for the battered island. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Macron assured Mayotte’s residents of France’s unwavering support. 
He noted, “All emergency services have been mobilized to address the immediate crisis while preparing for the future recovery.” Macron also announced plans to declare a national mourning period in honor of the victims of Cyclone Chido.
France’s government has prioritized restoring essential services to the island, ensuring the continuity of state functions, and providing immediate humanitarian aid.
Devastating Toll and Rescue Challenges
Local authorities fear the death toll could climb into the thousands as search and rescue operations continue. Official reports confirm at least 14 deaths so far, but over a thousand civilians remain unaccounted for.
Authorities describe the disaster as the worst to hit Mayotte’s 300,000-strong population in over a century.
The French military has stepped in to deliver critical assistance. On Monday, military aircraft transported life-saving aid, emergency responders, and equipment to Mayotte from Reunion, a nearby French territory. Civil security teams, along with tonnes of essential supplies, arrived to bolster rescue efforts.
However, logistical challenges have complicated the emergency response. The island’s sole airport sustained severe damage to its control tower, limiting civilian flights and forcing reliance on military aircraft. Despite these hurdles, French authorities expect 800 additional rescuers to arrive in the coming days.
Cyclone Chido’s Damage to Mayotte’s Infrastructure
Cyclone Chido made landfall on Saturday, unleashing winds exceeding 220 km/h, according to France’s meteorological service. The storm ripped apart homes, hospitals, and key infrastructure.
Roads and telecommunications systems were decimated, leaving many residents cut off from vital services. Informal settlements and slums, where the most vulnerable populations reside, bore the brunt of the destruction.
France Bolsters Security to Prevent Crime
In addition to humanitarian aid, France has deployed 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers to maintain order on the island.
The Interior Ministry highlighted their role in preventing looting and ensuring public safety during the chaotic aftermath.
Mayotte: Poorest Territory in the European Union
Mayotte, officially France’s poorest department, faces long-term economic and infrastructural challenges. As a French territory, it has remained a beacon for economic migrants from nearby countries like Comoros and Somalia, seeking a better quality of life.
However, Cyclone Chido has further exposed the island’s vulnerabilities, with extensive damage complicating recovery efforts.
A Nation in Mourning, Recovery Ahead
As France mobilizes its resources to support Mayotte, Macron’s planned visit underscores the gravity of the disaster. “We will stand with Mayotte in this tragedy, deploying all necessary measures to rebuild lives and infrastructure,” he affirmed.
While the immediate focus remains on saving lives and providing relief, the long-term recovery of Mayotte will require significant efforts to restore the island’s infrastructure and ensure its residents can rebuild their lives after Cyclone Chido’s devastating impact.
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