Paris, December 15, 2024 – Cyclone Chido unleashed devastation in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, claiming 14 lives and causing severe property damage. With winds exceeding 220 km/h, the storm left a trail of destruction in Petite-Terre, prompting swift action from French authorities. France has deployed 140 civil security soldiers and firefighters, with an additional 250 emergency personnel expected to assist rescue and recovery efforts.
Mayotte was initially placed under a purple alert, the highest warning level, enforcing a strict lockdown across the region, including emergency services. This alert has since been downgraded to a red alert, allowing rescue operations to proceed. French President Emmanuel Macron has assured full support for the people of Mayotte, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who described the situation as "dramatic and exceptional, " is scheduled to visit the region on Monday.
Cyclone Chido formed on December 5, southeast of Diego Garcia, and rapidly intensified before being named on December 8. It made landfall in Mauritius’ Agaléga on December 11, then passed through northern Madagascar before hitting Mayotte on December 14, where it caused the most significant damage. The cyclone is now threatening Mozambique, raising concerns of further devastation in the region.