Journalism of Courage
Cyclone Chido, the strongest storm to hit Mayotte in recorded history, has caused catastrophic destruction across the French island in the Indian Ocean. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
With winds exceeding 225 km/h (140 mph), the cyclone has left the entire neighborhood in ruins, disrupted vital services, and claimed hundreds of lives, with fears that the death toll could rise to the thousands. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
François-Xavier Bieuville, Mayotte’s prefect, described the devastation as "apocalyptic", particularly in the island’s poorest areas, where many live in makeshift metal shacks. "We think there are several hundred dead, maybe close to a thousand," he said. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
At least 250 people have been injured, while countless others face shortages of food, water, and shelter. Key infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has been severely damaged, leaving many residents stranded and vulnerable. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
France has deployed rescue teams and emergency supplies, but operations are hindered by severely impacted roads, power outages, and a damaged airport. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is expected to visit Mayotte on Monday to oversee the emergency response. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
The cyclone has also wreaked havoc on nearby islands, including Comoros and Madagascar, and made landfall in Mozambique, where authorities warn of extensive destruction. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
Up to 2.5 million people in northern Mozambique are at risk, with more than 1.7 million already affected. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
UNICEF and other aid organizations are on the ground, working to restore essential services like clean water and healthcare amid fears of disease outbreaks, including cholera and malaria. (Photo: (Gendarmerie Nationale via AP)
