In brief
The cyclone caused massive destruction and left residents grappling with immense challenges, prompting national mourning and calls for aid.
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc in Mayotte, leading French Prime Minister François Bayrou to confirm that while the confirmed death toll stands at 35, earlier speculations of thousands are likely exaggerated. After hitting the French territory on December 14, responses from officials ranged from early fears of several hundred deaths to the prime minister asserting numbers would be "in the dozens." Local prefect François-Xavier Bieuville, who initially predicted a much higher casualty count, defended his initial remarks, emphasizing the challenges of assessing the damage in inaccessible areas. Traditional Islamic customs resulted in victims being buried swiftly, complicating the count. Mayotte, home to an estimated 320,000 residents, also hosts a significant undocumented population, adding complexity to the situation. The cyclone, the worst in 90 years, struck with winds up to 260 km/h (160 mph), devastating impoverished shanty towns where many residents lived. In response to the disaster, France observed a national day of mourning, while President Emmanuel Macron faced pushback from residents demanding more aid during his visit to the stricken territory. Victims faced severe shortages of water, communication, and electricity for days after the cyclone ravaged the area. Officials have announced the restoration of water access across the island and the establishment of a field hospital to aid recovery efforts. Following its impact on Mayotte, Cyclone Chido continued its path to mainland Africa, causing fatalities in Mozambique and Malawi as well.
