On Saturday, December 13, Cyclone Chido struck the French archipelago of Mayotte, causing widespread destruction and leaving a tragic death toll provisionally estimated at 35.
The cyclone inflicted significant damage across the island, with homes destroyed and large areas cut off from water, electricity, and communication. Living conditions have become extremely challenging, as affected communities face severe shortages of drinking water and food, compounded by difficulties in accessing healthcare.
Despite communication challenges, the French Biodiversity Agency has managed to contact beneficiaries of the BESTLIFE2030 Programme on the ground. While the damage is predominantly material, the immediate priority is addressing humanitarian needs, particularly ensuring access to clean water, food, and shelter. Efforts are underway at both regional and national levels to support relief and reconstruction.
Cyclone Chido serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of islands like Mayotte to extreme weather events. These disasters underscore a broader reality: the growing impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, warmer oceans, and increasingly intense cyclones are making such regions more susceptible to severe storms and flooding.
Although the situation remains dire, mutual aid and collective efforts are gradually restoring a semblance of normalcy. However, it is evident that the three BESTLIFE2030 projects planned for the region will face significant delays. Rebuilding homes, restoring basic services, and resuming daily life will require several months of concerted effort. In the meantime, supporting the victims and affected communities remains the utmost priority.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for global action to combat climate change, safeguard vulnerable populations, and mitigate the devastating effects of such events in the future.
Sources: Le Monde (2024), Cyclone Chido à Mayotte. Available at: https://www.lemonde.fr/cyclone-chido-a-mayotte/ (Accessed on December 22, 2024).
