Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, causing widespread destruction and raising concerns about climate change’s impact on extreme weather. While the French government’s response has sparked political tensions, experts warn that the storm’s severity was intensified by rising sea temperatures linked to climate change. As the island struggles to recover, questions about the adequacy of government preparedness and future resilience remain critical.

Mayotte, Indian Ocean — Authorities in Mayotte are struggling to respond to the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which struck the island on Saturday, December 14. The cyclone, one of the most powerful in the island’s recorded history, brought winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour, flattening entire neighborhoods, destroying infrastructure, and severing power and communication lines. As the island grapples with the crisis, concerns are mounting about hunger, disease, and lawlessness.

The official death toll currently stands at 22, with more than 1,400 people injured, according to reports from Mayotte Hospital. However, local officials, including Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila of Mamoudzou, fear the true toll could be much higher, possibly reaching hundreds or even thousands. Many of the island’s most vulnerable residents, including undocumented migrants, remain unaccounted for. A nurse at Mamoudzou Hospital, describing the scene as “apocalyptic,” told French news outlet BFM TV, “It’s a disaster, there’s nothing left.”

Cyclone Chido: The Deadliest Storm in Decades

Cyclone Chido, which intensified rapidly over the weekend, has been described as the deadliest storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years. French weather service Meteo France has issued dire warnings about the storm’s unprecedented strength. As of now, emergency services have been struggling to provide relief, and many of Mayotte’s most vulnerable communities are facing catastrophic conditions.

A report by Imperial College London on the cyclone’s intensification indicates that climate change played a significant role in making Cyclone Chido more severe. Dr. Nathan Sparks, a climate expert at the college, explained that global warming contributed to a rise in sea temperatures, which intensified the storm. “Climate change increased Chido’s wind speeds by about 11 kilometers per hour, making storms like this 40% more likely,” Sparks said. The study also revealed that the conditions fueling such storms are becoming more frequent. Hotter sea temperatures, a consequence of climate change, made Chido’s rapid intensification more than 50 times more likely.

Dr. Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College, emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable regions. “Victims of poverty have become victims of climate change. Unfortunately, Africa suffers the worst despite contributing the least emissions,” Otto stated. If global temperatures rise by 2.6°C, storms of Chido’s strength could become 26% more frequent by the end of the century, further exacerbating the vulnerability of islands like Mayotte.

A Crisis Exacerbated by Government Response

The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has also revealed significant gaps in the French government’s response. President Emmanuel Macron has promised to visit Mayotte, but his government’s handling of the crisis has ignited political tensions. Newly appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou faced public criticism for attending a crisis meeting via video rather than visiting the island in person. Bayrou defended his absence, stating that he was focused on forming a new government, but his comments only fueled frustration in Mayotte and across France.

Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau praised the island’s early warning system, which had been credited with helping to save many lives. However, he acknowledged that many undocumented migrants, fearful of being arrested or deported, avoided shelters in the hours leading up to the storm. This fear of government intervention left vulnerable communities exposed to the full brunt of the cyclone’s impact.

The government’s response has further inflamed political tensions within France. Left-wing politicians have accused the French government of neglecting Mayotte, particularly in the context of climate change and extreme weather. Olivier Faure, chairman of the Socialist Party, took to social media to criticize Retailleau, blaming the government for failing to prepare Mayotte adequately for such natural disasters. His remarks have resonated with many in Mayotte, where political frustration has been mounting for years over perceived neglect by the French mainland.

A Struggling Island Faces an Uncertain Future

As authorities continue to assess the damage and provide relief, the situation in Mayotte remains dire. With homes destroyed, infrastructure in ruins, and a population left to contend with hunger, disease, and lawlessness, the island’s immediate future is uncertain. Local officials and aid organizations are working around the clock to provide food, water, and medical supplies, but resources remain scarce.

Mayotte’s reliance on external aid and its geographic isolation have made recovery efforts especially difficult. The island, part of France’s overseas territories, often faces challenges due to its remote location in the Indian Ocean. While the French government has pledged financial and humanitarian assistance, the speed and scale of the recovery effort will depend on both political will and logistical capabilities.

The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido also raises serious questions about the broader implications of climate change for island nations and low-lying coastal regions around the world. Mayotte’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks posed by extreme weather events, particularly for areas that are ill-equipped to handle such disasters.

Conclusion: Climate Change and Political Accountability

Cyclone Chido has not only caused unprecedented devastation in Mayotte but has also underscored the urgent need for global action on climate change. With the cyclone’s intensity amplified by rising sea temperatures and climate change, experts warn that this type of extreme weather will become more frequent in the future. For Mayotte, the storm has exposed both the vulnerabilities of the island’s infrastructure and the inadequacies of government response to climate-linked disasters.

As political tensions rise over the French government’s handling of the crisis, the need for coordinated action—both in terms of immediate relief and long-term climate adaptation—has never been clearer. Local officials, aid organizations, and international bodies will have to work together to ensure that Mayotte can recover and rebuild, while also addressing the broader issues of climate change that threaten not only the island but countless other vulnerable regions worldwide.