Cyclone Chido has left an unparalleled trail of destruction in Mayotte, with officials fearing the death toll could climb into the hundreds, or even thousands.
The French Indian Ocean territory endured wind speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), flattening entire settlements and leaving vulnerable communities in ruins.
Rescue operations are underway, with reinforcements from France aiding local workers in searching the debris for survivors. However, widespread infrastructure damage, including impassable roads and downed power lines, has significantly hampered relief efforts. 
Severe Infrastructure Damage Slows Emergency Efforts
The cyclone’s impact has been catastrophic, particularly for Mayotte’s impoverished communities. Many residents, already living in makeshift shelters, lost everything. Downed power lines, destroyed water supplies, and damaged roads are preventing critical aid from reaching those in need.
One resident of Mamoudzou, the capital, described the desperate conditions. “We’ve had no water for three days now, so it’s starting to be a lot,” they said while waiting for relief supplies. Another, John Balloz, shared his terrifying experience, saying, “I screamed, ‘We need help, we need help.’ I thought the end had come for me.”
Survivors in Mayotte Share Harrowing Stories of Survival
For many, the experience has been one of survival against all odds. “You feel like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war. I saw an entire neighborhood disappear,” Mohamed Ishmael told Reuters.
Others have found refuge in schools or with neighbors. A resident noted, “We are still sticking together and being cautious. We need everyone to hold hands.”
Mayotte’s undocumented migrants, many of whom came seeking asylum, were particularly affected due to their precarious living conditions.
French Aid and Global Efforts in Mayotte’s Recovery
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity, stating, “My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte, who have gone through the most horrific few hours and who have, for some, lost everything.”
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is set to visit the island, coordinating further relief efforts. The island’s prefect, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, warned that the death toll could reach into the thousands as assessments continue.
Mozambique Also Hit Hard by Cyclone Chido’s Wrath
Cyclone Chido’s devastation wasn’t confined to Mayotte. The storm also made landfall in Mozambique, where flash floods and strong winds caused widespread damage.
In the coastal provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado, trees were uprooted, buildings destroyed, and power lines brought down.
Guy Taylor, a spokesperson for UNICEF in Mozambique, described the scene as dire. “Many houses were destroyed or seriously damaged, and healthcare facilities and schools are out of action,” he said, expressing concern about access to critical services and the potential spread of diseases like cholera and malaria.
As Mayotte and Mozambique begin recovery efforts, the international community faces the challenge of delivering aid to regions grappling with destroyed infrastructure and widespread displacement.
Cyclone Chido’s impact has underscored the vulnerability of impoverished communities to natural disasters and the urgent need for global action to provide relief and rebuild.
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