In the wake of Cyclone Chido, which has brought death and destruction to the French overseas territory of Mayotte, Prince Albert II of Monaco has written to President Emmanuel Macron, expressing his deep sorrow at the news and pledging his support to the people of Mayotte. Almost 70% of the island’s population is said to have been gravely affected by the devastating cyclone, with many hundreds, if not thousands, of people reported dead or missing.

A major cyclone struck the French overseas territory of Mayotte, which lies to the northwest of Madagascar, on 14th December. It has left widespread devastation in its wake; entire neighbourhoods have been levelled, with many thousands of people now homeless and without access to basic essentials such as fresh food and water.

Hundreds of people are missing or dead, leading the authorities on the island to estimate that the death toll may rise into the thousands.

In response to the disaster, which has wrought havoc on Mayotte’s fragile infrastructure, the French government has mobilised military aircraft and ships to deliver emergency aid and supplies. President Emmanuel Macron has announced his plans to visit the island. He has also declared that a national mourning period will be observed following “this tragedy that has shaken each of us.”

In Mamoudzou, the island’s capital, the destruction has been described as “total”.

Schools, hospitals, and homes have been reduced to rubble following winds that exceeded 220kph, stripping roofs and snapping palm trees in half, while storm surges rose as high as 8.5 metres in the worst-hit areas. Nearly 70% of the population has been gravely affected, according to France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau.

Electricity remains down across much of the island and telecommunications have been severely disrupted. The French Red Cross reported that rescuers are still searching for bodies, with many areas inaccessible due to the destruction, including Mayotte’s sole airport.

Monaco’s Prince Albert has addressed a heartfelt letter to President Macron, writing, “It is with deep emotion that I learned of the terrible destruction caused by the passage of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte. My family and the Monegasque population join me in expressing our sincere solidarity. Our thoughts go first and foremost to the victims and the missing, as well as to their loved ones. We also think of the injured, of all the people who lost their homes in this disaster, as well as the courage of the rescue teams.”

Prince Albert concluded by saying, “Be assured, Mr. President, of our full solidarity and our unwavering support in these very difficult times.”

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Photo source: UIISC7 / Sécurité Civile