Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has voiced Kenya’s solidarity with the Mayotte community following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido. The densely populated territory of Mayotte, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean under French control, was struck by the worst storm in nearly a century on Saturday. With winds exceeding 225 km/hour, Cyclone Chido left a trail of destruction across the region, flattening homes and displacing thousands.
A Tragedy for Mayotte
The impact of Cyclone Chido was swift and brutal. Mudavadi’s statement on Tuesday underscored the depth of the tragedy, saying, “Kenya stands in solidarity with the resilient community of Mayotte as they face the aftermath of one of the most devastating storms in nearly a century.” The official death toll currently stands at 14, but with fears that hundreds, possibly thousands, have perished, officials in Mayotte warn that the true scale of the disaster may never fully be known. The densely populated territory, home to around 300,000 residents, was not equipped to withstand such a powerful storm.
Infrastructure and Humanitarian Impact
The cyclone’s ferocious winds and heavy rains flattened entire neighborhoods, particularly those built from poorly constructed materials in slum settlements. French authorities reported widespread damage, noting that entire communities had been wiped out. “The public infrastructure, including airports and hospitals, has been badly damaged,” said Mudavadi. The damage to the airport control tower has made it impossible for commercial flights to land, complicating the rescue response. Only military aircraft are able to access Mayotte, further limiting the deployment of resources and personnel to aid the affected.
Power outages have also struck the archipelago, with electricity reported to be completely knocked out across Mayotte. According to the Associated Press, residents are struggling without power and running water, making the provision of basic services challenging. The destruction to local infrastructure has meant that recovery efforts are severely hampered. In response, rescue workers, soldiers, and medical personnel have been sent from France, along with supplies from Reunion, a nearby French territory. Despite these efforts, the scale of the devastation requires a coordinated international response.
Economic and Socio-Political Impact
Mayotte, considered the poorest territory under any European Union nation’s sovereignty, has drawn significant economic migrants from neighboring countries seeking access to France’s state welfare system. The cyclone’s impact is exacerbating the socio-economic challenges faced by the island’s residents. Mudavadi noted, “This tragedy touches all of us deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Mayotte. May they find the strength and courage to rebuild and heal during this challenging time.” The resilience of the Mayotte community will be tested as they attempt to rebuild amidst their already harsh living conditions.
Cyclone Chido has also exposed vulnerabilities in disaster preparedness in Mayotte, a territory that is relatively unknown on the international stage. The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean started on December 1, and with Mayotte being unaccustomed to such powerful storms, the impact was catastrophic. Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte as an intense tropical cyclone the equivalent of a category-4 hurricane. It made landfall on Madagascar, just south of Mayotte, on Sunday, adding further to the humanitarian toll.
Kenya’s Response and International Solidarity
In his statement, Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya stands with Mayotte not only as a gesture of solidarity but also as a reminder of the interconnectedness of nations. “Cyclone Chido’s ferocious winds affected many people in Mayotte, and it is our duty to stand by them as they navigate this tragedy,” he said. The Prime Cabinet Secretary noted that Kenya’s response would include mobilizing humanitarian support and calling for greater international cooperation to assist in recovery efforts. The tragedy has also prompted discussions about the need for better disaster management and preparedness strategies in territories vulnerable to such storms.
As Cyclone Chido passes, the recovery process in Mayotte will be long and arduous. The international community, including Kenya, must continue to provide support as the people of Mayotte work to rebuild their lives. The challenges are immense, but through global solidarity and shared resources, the resilient community of Mayotte can find the strength to overcome this disaster and move forward.
Conclusion
The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte serves as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in vulnerable regions. Kenya’s show of support reflects a broader global commitment to stand by affected communities and provide the necessary assistance to help them rebuild. As the world watches, the international community must remain vigilant and prepared to respond swiftly to such calamities, ensuring that no one is left to face such challenges alone.
