On March 11, 2023, the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, an overseas department of France, faced a devastating natural disaster as Cyclone Chido struck the islands with unprecedented intensity. This catastrophic weather event was labeled the worst cyclone to impact Mayotte in nearly a century, igniting fears of a heavy death toll and extensive damage. Initial reports indicated that at least 11 individuals lost their lives as the cyclone made landfall, producing gusty winds that reached speeds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph). However, as authorities continue to assess the destruction, there were growing concerns that the number of fatalities could increase.
In the wake of the cyclone, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his commitment to support the people of Mayotte during this crisis. Emergency response teams were mobilized, with approximately 250 firefighters and security personnel dispatched to the area, some arriving on-site shortly after the storm had passed. Bruno Retailleau, the French Interior Minister, provided a grim assessment of the situation, noting that numerous makeshift housing structures had been utterly destroyed by the cyclone. He explicitly articulated his worries regarding the potential for a substantial rise in the death toll in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.
As the situation developed, various local news sources emerged with differing accounts of the casualties. While some reported 11 deaths and over 200 injuries according to hospital assessments, others, including the AFP news agency, cited a higher figure of at least 14 fatalities based on information sourced from security officials. Mayotte, which is situated northwest of Madagascar and comprises the main island Grand-Terre and several smaller islands, has a population of about 300,000 residents. Due to the cyclone’s ferocity, tens of thousands became homeless, given that many locals resided in vulnerable shacks with sheet metal roofs.
The destruction was compounded by widespread infrastructural failures, as electricity, water, and internet services fell victim to the storm’s fury. In response, the French government dispatched a military transport aircraft loaded with emergency supplies and rescue personnel to provide immediate assistance. The situation at the Pamandzi airport was particularly concerning, as significant damage occurred—especially to the control tower—complicating efforts to reestablish air traffic. In light of these challenges, initial recovery efforts began with military aid planes, supported by ships en route to ensure essential resupply.
Prior to the cyclone making full impact on the island, reports circulated of significant disruptions, including uprooted trees, torn roofs, and downed power lines. Abdoul Karim Ahmed Allaoui, President of Mayotte’s firefighters’ union, commented on the dire state of emergency response efforts, noting that even firefighters were unable to mobilize due to the extreme conditions. Communication breakdowns exacerbated the situation, as mobile services were rendered ineffective, hindering access to the elderly and ill. Even infrastructure designed to withstand seismic activity fell short against the cyclone’s might; the emergency services command center itself had to be evacuated, operating only at limited capacity.
Further reinforcing the gravity of the situation, Retailleau added in a statement on social media platform X that the state and local emergency services were fully engaged and mobilized. A total of 110 civil security personnel and firefighters had already arrived on the scene, with plans for a second wave of response teams arriving the following day. Meanwhile, French Prime Minister François Bayrou, who had only recently assumed office, characterized the cyclone’s impact as exceptionally severe and emphasized constant updates on the evolving crisis from involved ministers.
Initially set under a purple alert, Mayotte underwent a strict population lockdown, including for emergency services, which has since been downgraded to a red alert allowing for critical services to operate. Echoing the sentiments of others, Retailleau stipulated that the island had not encountered such extreme weather since 1934. As Cyclone Chido progresses towards neighboring Mozambique on the African mainland, the full extent of the destruction on Mayotte remains to be fully quantified, leaving many residents grappling with the implications of this devastating event.
