Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on 14 December, causing widespread devastation with winds exceeding 200 kph. At least 22 people are confirmed dead, and hundreds are feared lost. Climate change intensified the storm, drawing criticism over France’s handling of the disaster response.
Cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte on Saturday, 14 December, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Winds exceeding 200 kph flattened entire neighborhoods, severing power and communications in the French overseas territory. Hundreds are feared dead, with the official death toll currently at 22 and over 1,400 injured.
Tragedy Strikes Mayotte
Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, expressed concern that the number of undocumented migrants on the island could result in a much higher death toll. Authorities are working to prevent the spread of hunger, disease, and lawlessness. A nurse at Mamoudzou Hospital described the scene as “apocalyptic,” calling the damage “a disaster, there’s nothing left.”
Climate Change Intensifies Cyclone Chido
French weather agency Meteo France declared Cyclone Chido the deadliest storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years. A rapid analysis by Imperial College London found that human-caused climate change intensified Chido’s winds, raising it from a Category 3 to Category 4 storm.
“Climate change made Chido more destructive,” said Dr. Nathan Sparks, a researcher at Imperial College London. Scientists estimate that climate change increased Chido’s wind speeds by 11 kph and made such storms 40% more likely compared to pre-industrial times.
High sea temperatures, fueled by climate change, made Chido’s rapid intensification over 50 times more probable. Dr. Friederike Otto of World Weather Attribution emphasized that victims of poverty in Mayotte have become victims of climate change. Africa, despite contributing the least emissions, continues to face the worst weather extremes.
French Leadership Criticized for Cyclone Response
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to visit Mayotte soon as the disaster further exacerbates France’s ongoing political crisis. Prime Minister François Bayrou, however, faced criticism for attending a crisis meeting via video rather than in person. Bayrou defended his absence, citing efforts to form a new government.
Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau praised the warning system, stating that it worked “perfectly.” However, many undocumented migrants reportedly avoided shelters, fearing arrest. Left-wing politicians accused the French government of neglecting Mayotte’s preparedness for climate-driven disasters. Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure criticized Retailleau’s handling of the situation, highlighting the lack of long-term support for the region in a post on X.
As the situation unfolds, Mayotte is left grappling with the aftermath of a deadly storm exacerbated by climate change. The response from French leadership is under scrutiny, with many calling for long-term investments in disaster preparedness. Cyclone Chido’s devastation serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks posed by climate change, particularly to vulnerable populations.