A large-scale mobilization to support Mayotte’s disaster victims after Cyclone Chido

Essential donations to respond to a humanitarian emergency
Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte and the Comoros, leaving destroyed neighborhoods, paralyzed infrastructure, and a distressed population. The first humanitarian shipments were delivered 24 hours after the disaster thanks to an emergency airlift. Food, drinking water, clearing equipment, and essential supplies are among the top priorities.

Many organizations have launched donation campaigns to assist the residents of Mayotte, France’s poorest department. Among them, Secours populaire, Croix-Rouge, and Fondation de France are working tirelessly to provide immediate aid and contribute to rebuilding efforts.

• Secours populaire is calling for contributions via its website or by mail at the address: “9/11 rue Froissart, BP 33030, 75123 Paris Cedex 03,” specifying “Fonds d’urgence.” It is also planning targeted actions, such as in Tsingoni, where particularly vulnerable families will benefit from the “Pères Noël verts” campaign.
• Fondation de France is focusing its efforts on sustainable reconstruction: assisting families in finding shelter and basic equipment, and supporting small artisans and farmers impacted by the disaster. Donations can be made via their website or by check payable to “Fondation de France – Solidarité Mayotte.”
• Croix-Rouge, active on-site and in La Réunion, has distributed emergency kits including tarps, solar lamps, hygiene kits, and tents. A dedicated fundraiser has been launched to facilitate their actions.

Human and material needs for a health system in crisis
Mayotte’s health system has been severely affected. The Mamoudzou hospital and several medical centers are inoperative. Santé publique France has called for volunteers to join the health reserve, targeting doctors, nurses, and caregivers ready to work in challenging conditions. Volunteers can contact sante@urgencemayotte.fr.

A call for local solidarity
Local authorities are also urging Mahorais to participate in collective recovery efforts. Volunteers are being welcomed at the Mamoudzou rectorate to help clear branches and debris, while municipalities are seeking assistance to manage temporary shelters.

A heavy human and material toll
Cyclone Chido has resulted in at least 20 deaths according to a provisional report, but authorities fear the number could rise to several hundred. Destroyed homes, paralyzed infrastructure, and damaged schools underscore the disaster’s scale.

National and local solidarity is more crucial than ever to help Mayotte recover from this ordeal. Whether through financial donations, humanitarian missions, or local actions, every contribution counts in giving hope back to this deeply affected population.