The French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte has been left reeling after Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit the region in nearly a century, tore through the islands, leaving a trail of destruction and an unconfirmed death toll feared to be in the thousands.

Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the French prefect of Mayotte, described the scale of devastation as unprecedented. "I believe the number of fatalities will reach several hundred, possibly exceeding a thousand, or even thousands," he told local broadcaster Mayotte La 1ère.

The French interior ministry has acknowledged the difficulty of determining an accurate death toll, citing extensive destruction and the island’s cultural practice of burying the deceased within 24 hours.

Widespread Devastation

Cyclone Chido, with winds exceeding 200 km/h (124 mph), battered Mayotte overnight, destroying homes, government buildings, and even a hospital, according to meteorological agency Météo-France. The agency reported this as the strongest storm to strike the islands in more than 90 years.

Aerial footage revealed hillsides strewn with debris from hundreds of makeshift houses, many of which were home to undocumented migrants who had crossed from the neighboring Comoros islands in search of a better life. Coconut trees, uprooted by the storm, punctured roofs, while capsized police boats were seen washed ashore.

Local residents described harrowing scenes. "It feels like the aftermath of a nuclear war," said Mohamed Ishmael, a resident of the capital, Mamoudzou. "Entire neighborhoods have vanished."

Humanitarian Crisis

The cyclone has created an urgent humanitarian crisis, with survivors struggling to access food, clean water, and medical aid. The destruction of Mayotte's hospital has added to the chaos, with images showing a mother pushing a newborn’s crib through a flooded corridor.

Efforts are underway to deliver aid. An air bridge is being established from Réunion, another French territory in the Indian Ocean, to provide essential supplies and medical assistance.

National and Global Response

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity with the people of Mayotte, calling the situation a "horrific tragedy." He promised immediate support for the victims and efforts to rebuild the territory.

The cyclone’s devastation is the first major test for France’s newly appointed Prime Minister, François Bayrou, who assumed office just days ago after the collapse of the previous government.

Background and Challenges

Mayotte, a French territory located 8,000 kilometers from Paris, has long grappled with socio-economic challenges. Over 75% of its population lives below the French poverty line, and the island has faced gang violence, illegal immigration, and water shortages in recent years.

Mayotte has become a destination for migrants from Comoros, drawn by its higher living standards and access to French social services. Currently, more than 100,000 undocumented migrants reside on the islands, complicating relief and recovery efforts.

Regional Impact

The cyclone also affected northern Mozambique, where heavy rain and winds damaged power and telecommunications infrastructure, though the extent of the impact remains unclear. In Comoros, authorities reported 21 homes destroyed, 24 displaced residents, and two injuries.

Historical Context

Mayotte’s history is deeply tied to French colonialism. Annexed by France in 1843, the island remained part of the country even after its neighboring Comoros islands declared independence in 1975. Despite its status as a French territory, Mayotte remains significantly poorer than mainland France, further highlighting the disparities in disaster preparedness and recovery resources.

Cyclone Chido’s devastation serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, raising questions about the role of climate change and the need for greater resilience in vulnerable regions.