Evaluation of the response to the crisis and mutual aid mechanisms following Cyclone Chido in Mayotte

Context

The unusually powerful tropical cyclone Chido struck the entire island of Mayotte on 14 December 2024. The north-east, particularly the capital, Mamoudzou, and Koungou, where around 50% of the population is concentrated, suffered the most severe damage. In some areas, up to 80% of infrastructure was destroyed. Other parts of the island were also affected by winds exceeding 200 km/h, which caused widespread flooding and power and water cuts.

The island faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The official death toll stands at 40, with 41 people still missing, and more than 5,600 people injured. Thousands have been left homeless, representing a significant proportion of the island’s population. Winds exceeded 200 km/h and caused material damage to homes, schools, hospitals, roads and water and electricity networks.

Objectives of the evaluation

The objective of this evaluation is twofold:

1. To assess crisis management one year after the cyclone, with a particular focus on the mutual aid mechanisms that were implemented during the emergency phase.
2. To identify valuable insights and develop joint recommendations for various stakeholders at strategic and operational levels to enhance disaster/crisis preparedness.

More specifically, this analysis, intended for institutional and non-institutional stakeholders, aims to promote the following:

• Greater transparency with the people of Mayotte and the wider public regarding preparedness and response to the Chido disaster;
• Adapting the response to the changing needs of the population and unforeseen events (e.g. post-disaster epidemics, social tensions and worsening poverty).
• A better understanding of the mutual aid mechanisms that spontaneously emerged within the population and appear to have played a major role in the initial emergency response.
• Better preparedness for natural disasters and better coordination, particularly between public authorities and citizen initiatives (mutual aid).
• Optimal preparation for future risks (climate, health and security) and the integration of resilience into reconstruction.

At the end of the first quarter of 2026, the team will visit Mayotte for 15 days to meet with relevant stakeholders and consolidate data and testimonies.

© Photo: FAO Alcidio Guilamba.