Mayotte in danger: the ravages of cyclone Chido

On December 14, 2024, the lagoon island of Mayotte was hit by cyclone Chido, which devastated everything in its path. But what happened? Why is this cyclone so exceptional? How are the islanders faring?

A quick reminder about Mayotte.

Mayotte is a small volcanic archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It lies to the east of the Comoros archipelago, at the entrance to the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and Africa. The lagoon island is a French overseas region. It comprises two main islands, Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, and several smaller islands.

What happened?

On Saturday December 14, tropical cyclone Chido hit the island of Mayotte with very strong winds of up to 220 kph. Many people died and many homes were devastated. The island’s inhabitants are dismayed, exhausted and helpless in the face of violent gusts of wind that have destroyed everything in their path. They are on their own and desperately need help.

A situation under tension

The Mahorais had to cope with wind gusts of over 200 km/h. But the cyclone also brought intense rain. Rainfall totals are estimated at 176 mm in 12 hours. Sea conditions also deteriorated, with average waves of 5.30 m and maximum heights of 9.30 m, according to Météo-France. Never before seen.

How do the locals feel?

The Mahorais had to cope with wind gusts of over 200 km/h. But the cyclone also brought intense rain. Rainfall totals are estimated at 176 mm in 12 hours. Sea conditions also deteriorated, with average waves of 5.30 m and maximum heights of 9.30 m, according to Météo-France. Never before seen.

1 simple act of kindness = can change the lives of many people. So don’t hesitate to support them.

Cyclone Chido is an exceptional case.

It’s been a very long time – over 90 years – since the island of Mayotte experienced this kind of extraordinary situation. The last cyclone to hit the archipelago was on February 18, 1934, with similarly violent winds. Cyclone Chido is exceptional in terms of intensity. But its particularity lies in its east-west trajectory. It rounded Madagascar to the north. The consequences of its passage were terrible. Many people lost their lives. On Monday December 23, a national mourning order was issued for Mayotte.

Here are a few videos giving more details on the current situation.

Afroculture.net team sends its condolences to all the people of Mayotte. May God give you the strength and courage to overcome this ordeal. Don’t hesitate to support Mayotte through associations, which provide concrete help to the inhabitants.