On Saturday 14th December the department of Mayotte was hit by a devastating cyclone of strength 4/5, the most violent in 90 years. Mayotte, which is no stranger to severe weather events, faced considerable challenges in responding to the storm's immediate impacts, with the cyclone destroying countless homes and essential infrastructure.
With almost a third of the population living in precarious homes, this natural disaster leaves Mayotte in an unprecedent vulnerable situation and in the face of a humanitarian crisis.
Acted’s humanitarian response
In response to the storm, Acted is mobilising an emergency team to deliver critical relief, especially temporary shelter to displaced families – 10 000 tents will be distributed to house 50 000 people in the coming days.
Impact on communities
The storm has caused extensive damage to housing, particularly in informal settlements where many people live in precarious conditions. The flooding has led to the destruction of homes and property, displacing thousands of people and leaving them in urgent need of shelter and assistance. Additionally, the heavy rains have caused landslides in some areas, further complicating rescue and relief operations.
The storm has further undermined the already fragile infrastructure, with roads, schools, and healthcare facilities suffering damage that will require substantial rebuilding efforts.
Long-term support and recovery
Rebuilding infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and providing ongoing support to affected communities will be essential in the coming months. Cyclone Shido highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Mayotte to climate-related disasters, underscoring the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience in the face of future storms.