Mayotte Faces Urgent Recovery Challenges After Cyclone Chido

Overview

• The cyclone Chido, the most devastating storm in Mayotte in 90 years, caused 39 deaths, over 5,600 injuries, and widespread destruction on December 14, 2024.
• A new 'Mayotte debout' plan includes emergency measures such as restoring electricity by January's end, deploying the army for infrastructure repairs, and providing 200 Starlink devices for communication.
• The government aims to prevent the reconstruction of destroyed bidonvilles, but no clear alternative housing solutions for the displaced—comprising a third of the population—have been presented.
• The project of an emergency law for Mayotte has been delayed to next week for further consultation with local officials, with a broader 'refoundation' law expected within three months.
• Experts and local leaders question the feasibility of rebuilding Mayotte within two years, citing logistical, financial, and human resource challenges in the impoverished territory.