Cyclone Chido leaves Mayotte in ruins: residents demand swift aid

The French overseas territory of Mayotte is facing severe destruction after Cyclone Chido struck over the weekend, leaving residents to manage the aftermath.

The archipelago, France's poorest territory, is struggling to cope with widespread devastation. Residents report roofs torn from buildings, streets covered in debris, and entire areas rendered inaccessible. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, as many regions are still unreachable.

Local logistics worker Ahmed Ousseini shared how the community has taken action in the absence of rescue teams, saying, "We heard that there will be rescue services, aid, soldiers, but for the moment we haven't seen them. We managed in our neighborhood to clear the streets. There were policemen who came and helped us clear the streets because they were scared that at night the burglars might attack the houses."

Despite the French government flying in reinforcements from La Réunion, many residents feel the response has been inadequate. Zimako, a resident of Pamandzi, expressed frustration over the lack of support: “Since Saturday morning, when the cyclone passed in just 3.5 hours, nothing has really happened, apart from us — the people — trying to clean up. I haven’t seen any municipal technical services. I was concerned about that. Where I come from, whether it snows or the weather is bad, technical services are on the ground, managing things regardless of the situation."

Supplies, including essential goods and medical staff, are being sent via an air bridge from Reunion Island, the island's main lifeline. However, officials have warned that the cyclone's toll could include hundreds, possibly thousands, of fatalities.

With transportation links severely disrupted, the island remains isolated, complicating recovery efforts.