We would like to express our full support to the people of Mayotte who have been severely affected by this disaster. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all the inhabitants faced with this dramatic situation.
For many years, Dive! has maintained a special bond with Mayotte, this beautiful island in the Indian Ocean that is dear to us in many ways. Over time, we have forged strong relationships with the residents, our longtime friends, partners, journalists, and photographers. Today, our thoughts go to them as well as to the entire population of Mayotte, struck hard by the passage of Cyclone Chido.
An unprecedented disaster
Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, plunging the island into chaos. The winds reached 220 km/h, the strongest the island has experienced since 1934. The Civil Protection on-site reports « several deaths and many serious injuries. The local healthcare system is critically disrupted, complicating access to medical aid for the injured. The cyclone struck with extreme force, causing massive destruction: nearly 15,000 households are without electricity, and numerous infrastructures, including those in the Kaweni district, have been completely destroyed. Roads are cut off, making access to the disaster zones difficult. The island’s largest slum has now been reduced to rubble, leaving, ont été totalement détruites. Les routes sont coupées, rendant difficile l’accès aux zones sinistrées. Le plus grand bidonville de l’île est désormais réduit en débris, laissant des hundreds of families homeless.«
All of the makeshift dwellings, largely made of sheet metal, have disappeared, swept away by extremely violent winds. Between 30 and 40% of the roofs have been ripped off, leaving thousands of families homeless. With the power grid down and no access to drinking water, the urgency is absolute: action is needed to provide food and water to the hundreds of thousands affected. Without a swift and massive response, the situation could become even more dire in the coming days.
How to help?
Several organizations are mobilizing to assist Mayotte. Here’s how you can contribute to this wave of solidarity:
- Secours Populaire
The association has released an emergency fund of 100,000 euros to meet the immediate needs of those affected. This aid allows the distribution of food, water, clothing, and solar kits. You can support their action:- Online, directly on the Secours Populaire website.
- By post: 9/11 rue Froissart, BP 33030, 75123 Paris Cedex 03, specifying ‘Emergency Fund.’
- Foundation of France
The Foundation of France has launched a national solidarity appeal to shelter victims and provide them with psychological support. The organization finances concrete projects dedicated to reconstruction and the revival of community and educational life.- Online donations: On the Foundation of France website.
- By check: payable to ‘Foundation of France – Solidarity Mayotte’, 60509 Chantilly Cedex.
- National Federation of Civil Protection
Present on-site, Civil Protection intervenes to provide emergency support: distribution of essential goods, clearing of homes, and support for affected families.- To support their actions, visit their online form.
- The Red Cross
The Red Cross is intervening in Mayotte through its branch based in La Réunion. Emergency kits are being sent to aid reconstruction: tarps, solar lamps, hygiene kits, and other essential goods.- An online fundraiser has been launched to finance these actions.
Together, in solidarity
It is important to rally alongside these associations who, on the ground, display exceptional courage and solidarity. Every donation, even modest, can make an immense difference for the inhabitants of Mayotte, who today need our support
opening image © Gaby Barathieu