Rudolph Angler Authorities are racing to contain hunger, disease, and lawlessness after Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on Saturday, 14 December. Hundreds are feared dead, with the official death toll at 22 and over 1,400 reported injured, according to the latest figures from Mayotte Hospital.
The cyclone flattened entire neighborhoods with winds exceeding 200 kph, cutting off power and communications. Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila of Mamoudzou warned the actual death toll could be far higher due to many undocumented migrants on the island.
“The images are apocalyptic. It’s a disaster, there’s nothing left,” a nurse from Mamoudzou Hospital told BFM TV.
Climate Change Amplified Cyclone Chido’s Destruction
Cyclone Chido is the deadliest storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, according to Meteo France. Scientists at Imperial College London linked its severity to climate change, which elevated it from a Category 3 to a Category 4 storm.
Dr. Nathan Sparks explained that climate change increased Chido’s wind speeds by 11 kph and made storms of this strength 40% more likely. Rising sea temperatures, driven by climate change, fueled Chido’s rapid intensification.
“Even in a developed country, a Category 4 storm causes severe damage,” Dr. Sparks said. “In Mayotte, where many live in informal housing, it caused total devastation.”
Dr. Friederike Otto added, “Victims of poverty have become victims of climate change. Unfortunately, this is becoming the norm in Africa.”
Political Fallout Amid France’s Crisis
President Emmanuel Macron pledged to visit Mayotte, but criticism of France’s response continues. Prime Minister François Bayrou faced backlash for attending a crisis meeting via video instead of in person.
Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau defended the early warning system, saying it worked “perfectly,” but undocumented migrants avoided shelters, fearing arrest.
Left-wing politicians blamed neglect of Mayotte, particularly its lack of preparation for climate-related disasters. Socialist Party chairman Olivier Faure criticized Retailleau on social media, highlighting ongoing political divides in France.