installed 8000 km from Mayotte, Kader has not heard from his family for 72 hours

Since the passage of cyclone Chido on Saturday December 14, in Mayotte, the Mahorais who live in France have been desperately waiting for news from their loved ones. Kader Soidiki lives in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and has not been able to contact his family for four days.

Helpless, thousands of kilometers away, all he has left is hope. Since the devastating passage of the cyclone on the Mayotte archipelago on Saturday December 14, Kader Soidiki has had no news from his family. “I was on the phone with my mom, but suddenly it cut off, I couldn’t hear her anymore, relate-t-il. I thought something bad had happened, I tried to call several times, but everything is disconnected, I don’t know what to do.”

According to a still very provisional report communicated by the Ministry of the Interior, 22 deaths and more than 1,773 injured were recorded by the authorities. A figure which could still be far below the reality of the victims which could represent several hundred, even thousands of deaths according to the authorities.

For several days, emergency services have been deployed on site, but many regions still remain without communication. Nearly 90% of electricity pylons were destroyed, making trade with France almost impossible for the population.

It hurts my heart. When I see the images, it’s the apocalypse. A tornado that broke everything like in the movies.

Cadre Soidiki

Mahorais living in Bizanos

The young Mahorais has lived for fourteen years in Bizanos, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, but remains in daily contact with his family who still live on the island. His parents, brothers and sisters live in the town of Sada, west of Mayotte.

Three days have now passed since the incident, but still no sign of life from them. “I spend my time watching the news channels, I can’t sleep. I keep hoping that they are safe somewhere, I pray for that,” he slips.

Also read : Cyclone Chido in Mayotte. “Some call me in tears”: families in Limousin are organizing to help their loved ones there

Throughout the territory, numerous associations are mobilizing to help the victims. For Kader, “The most complicated thing is the distance. The fact that we cannot be at their side and are incapable of doing anything.”

Despite everything, solidarity is being organized throughout the territory and support groups are emerging for the exchange of news. With his neighbor, whom he met recently, the young Mahorais constantly browses the various discussion threads in search of the slightest element that could reveal the situation on site. “We looked together on the networks to get news, there are quite a few people who post photos of their family to find ways to contact them,” indicates Émilie Thez.

Despite posting a message, the young Mahorais mainly collected information on material damage. “I have managed to find people here who are looking for their family in Mayotte, but they too have so far had no news.”

I think we will find them, that they are fine, we have to keep hope, it’s important.

Cadre Soidiki

Mahorais living in Bizanos

So the young Mahorese waits. “I needed to get some fresh air, plus it’s Christmas, it’s a time when everyone should be happy. Always being on the news channels isn’t good either.” He regrets that the new Prime Minister favored a trip to the Pau municipal council, rather than going to the island. “It makes me angry, because he’s the first person who should be there to see the damage, to help the population.”

He hopes to be able to act in his own way and is always looking for local associations to send food aid, clothing or hygiene products locally.