Cyclone Chido has left a trail of destruction across France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, with officials fearing the death toll could reach several hundred.
The powerful storm made landfall on Saturday with wind gusts exceeding 225km/h (140mph), flattening entire communities and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
While the last confirmed death toll stood at 11, the island’s prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, warned that the actual number could rise significantly, possibly to “a few thousand” once the damage is fully assessed.
Retailleau said the island had not experienced such severe weather since 1934.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged support, dispatching 250 rescue workers and emergency supplies, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported the complete destruction of makeshift homes and extensive infrastructure damage.
Electricity, water, and communication networks are down, with Pamandzi airport severely damaged, further complicating rescue efforts.
The cyclone has devastated Mayotte’s population of 300,000, many of whom live in substandard housing.
Emergency responders have faced significant challenges due to blocked communication and damaged command centres, with some forced into lockdown as the storm raged.
French authorities are coordinating rescue and relief operations, including the deployment of military aid planes and ships for resupply.
Meanwhile, the storm intensified as it moved across the Mozambique Channel, battering the coastal city of Pemba with heavy rains and 185km/h (115mph) winds.
Flooding and further devastation are expected in southern Malawi and Zimbabwe as Cyclone Chido continues inland, bringing the threat of widespread flooding and severe weather.
Force à tous mes gens de Mayotte 🫶🏾❤️
Ils ont subit le cyclone le plus terrible de l’histoire de l’île… des vents à 226km/h
Tellement de dégât
Fuck le cyclone chidopic.twitter.com/2bIUJqwUbd
— Baloo (@imjustbaloo) December 14, 2024
Les bidonvilles de #Mayotte ont été rasés, leurs habitants engloutis par la boue et les tôles. Les 3/4 des maisons en dur n'ont #PlusDeToit. Pas d'#eau, pas de #nourriture, pas d'#électricité et des #pillages. Nos besoins: #ÉtatDUrgence + #Armée + #Médecins + #Aide massive pic.twitter.com/vDtHWgSvCG
— Estelle Youssouffa Députée (@DeputeeEstelle) December 15, 2024
“Retailleau said the island had not experienced such severe weather since 1934”.
Welcome to the Zionist’s weaponized weather warfare “climate change” agenda Mayotte.