On 14 December 2024, Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte with devastating force, causing the worst natural disaster the island had seen in a century.
The consequences were dramatic: 80% of infrastructure destroyed, power and telecommunications cut off, roads impassable, emergency services paralysed. More than 100,000 people were living in precarious housing, exacerbating their vulnerability.
The latest figures report 40 deaths, 1,373 injured and 100,000 people left homeless.
The economic losses for businesses and communities are estimated at €220 million.
Acted in Mayotte
Emergency response and support for victims of Cyclone Chido
Initial analyses carried out by Acted
have identified the following priority needs:
• Access to food
• Access to safe shelter
• Access to water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH)
At the same time, support for small businesses affected by the disaster has proven essential to reviving the local economy.
The most affected areas were slums, where the government and NGOs have done little since the cyclone struck. For this reason, ACTED’s emergency response strategy was based on participatory mapping of the most affected areas and slums, which began in January 2025.
Post-emergency and reconstruction
Starting on 1 April 2025, Acted launched its post-emergency strategy in close collaboration with local associations.
Education and child protection
- Creation of Child-Friendly Spaces: safe places for extracurricular activities with trained staff.
- Raising awareness about schooling for out-of-school children.
- Material support for schools and pupils (school supplies, small equipment).
Strengthening waste management in informal settlements
- Raising awareness among residents about good practices.
- Setting up management committees equipped with materials.
- Organising collections, sorting and coordination with approved actors.
Sustainable solutions for water, hygiene and sanitation
- Rehabilitation of water points and extension to isolated areas.
- Construction of latrines and showers as needed.
- Hygiene campaigns with trained community volunteers (in conjunction with ARS and the Red Cross).
- Distribution of hygiene kits: Aquatabs, jerry cans, soap, buckets, etc.