MAYOTTE / Cyclone Chido: a devastating human and material toll

Cyclone Chido, which hit Mayotte on December 14, caused enormous destruction. With winds reaching 220 km/h, many precarious habitats were destroyed, leaving hundreds of people homeless. This Monday, December 16, the provisional report indicated 20 deaths and many people were missing.

Infrastructure is severely damaged. The water network is almost non-existent and the electricity supply will take at least a month. Communication difficulties remain, with telephone networks still partially functional. Relief efforts are focusing on the delivery of emergency equipment, including 20 tons of goods sent from Réunion. The Red Cross has deployed its emergency team and ensures coordination through its PIROI platform. Emergency aid includes food, drinking water, medicines and materials to build shelters. The priority is to support the population in this extremely precarious situation and respond to immediate needs. The situation is reminiscent of Hurricane Irma in 2017, but with even more dramatic consequences. Local authorities and rescue teams expect weeks of intense work to support the population and rebuild the island. _Vx

Bruno Garcia, former Mercure of Baie Nettlé and founder of the Mermoz Bar Lounge in Mamoudzou, testified on Saturday 14 December on TF1 following the devastating passage of Cyclone Chido. He described a catastrophe, with 90-95% of Mayotte’s inhabitants without housing, 95% of buildings destroyed and the airport out of service. Solidarity is more necessary than ever.