Cyclone Chido has left a trail of devastation in Mayotte, becoming the strongest cyclone to hit the island in nearly a century. With winds exceeding 220 kilometres per hour, the storm has destroyed homes, displaced thousands, and caused catastrophic damage to critical infrastructure. The cyclone has claimed at least 14 lives so far, with authorities fearing the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Mayotte’s prefect described the situation as “dire,” highlighting the extensive damage to the island’s slums, where thousands live in precarious conditions. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to clear debris and search for survivors, but the scale of destruction has overwhelmed local resources. France has dispatched aid, including medical supplies and rescue teams, to assist in relief efforts.
As Cyclone Chido moves inland, Eastern African countries such as Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe are on high alert. Officials are urging residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately. In Mozambique, emergency shelters are being set up to accommodate thousands, while Malawi has issued warnings of potential flash floods and landslides in vulnerable regions.
This marks another severe cyclone season in the region, following the devastation caused by Cyclones Idai and Freddy in recent years. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of such storms. As Eastern Africa braces for Chido’s impact, the need for long-term climate resilience strategies becomes ever more urgent.
