Thousands Feared Dead After Cyclone Chido Pounds Mayotte

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Dec 16, 2024

Above: A photo taken on Dec. 15, 2024, shows a pile of debris containing metal sheets, wood, furniture, and belongings after cyclone Chido hit France's Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte. Image copyright: KWEZI/Contributor/AFP via Getty Imagesstory last updated 4 days ago

The Facts

Authorities rushed rescue teams and emergency responders to the French territory of Mayotte off the eastern coast of Africa on Monday after the tiny Indian Ocean territory was battered by its worst cyclone in nearly a century over the weekend.
Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on Saturday with winds exceeding 120 miles per hour (193 km/hr). It left thousands of homes without power and severely damaged the Pamandzi airport on Petite-Terre and the Mayotte hospital center.

The Spin

Narrative A

The French government had issued warnings 12 to 24 hours before the category 4 cyclone hit the archipelago, but many ignored the caveats and underestimated its power. However, France is mounting a robust emergency response with military aircraft, ships, and personnel so rescuers and supplies can reach the survivors. This prompt action highlights Paris' commitment to supporting its overseas territory during this exceptional crisis.

Le Monde

Narrative B

Mayotte is in ruins, with an estimated 100K people without shelter, food, and water and possibly thousands of dead, with major blame to be shouldered by the French government. The catastrophic impact of the cyclone exposes long-standing issues of poverty, inadequate infrastructure, political unrest, the migration crisis, underinvestment, and perpetual violent gang activity in Mayotte — highlighting the territory's vulnerability and neglect.

Narrative C

This is an apocalyptic disaster unlike anything seen in at least 90 years because it was fueled by the climate crisis. The cyclone could have weakened had it made landfall on Madagascar, but it strengthened due to exceptionally warm Indian Ocean waters. While cyclones are a natural phenomenon, climate change has contributed to their intensity, making them more destructive.