Muslim-majority Mayotte Island struggles to recover from tropical Cyclone Chido

Almost a week after Cyclone Chido, the worst storm to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, the French Indian Ocean colony is grappling with the aftermath. Efforts to count the dead, restore essential services, and support the population remain ongoing.

According to local news reports, the cyclone caused widespread devastation across the Muslim-majority archipelago. Hospitals, already operating with limited resources, are overwhelmed with patients already suffering from injuries, dehydration, malnutrition, and disease.

Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, with many residents reportedly ignoring warnings about the storm’s severity. Migrants, fearing deportation, avoided shelters, leading to concerns that the death toll could reach hundreds, if not thousands.

Mayotte, the poorest overseas region of France and the European Union, has long faced systemic neglect and underinvestment. With 75% of its population living in poverty, the island’s infrastructure was ill-prepared for a disaster of this scale. Cyclone Chido has exacerbated these challenges, leaving many residents skeptical of the government’s ability to deliver timely relief.

The island, home to approximately 90,000 people, is predominantly made up of Muslims and Shias, with Islam tracing its roots in the region back to the 15th century. A minority of Christians, who make up 3% of the population, have also been affected by the disaster. Pope Francis expressed his condolences during his weekly general audience, praying for the victims in Mayotte.

The tragic incident of the cyclone in Mayotte Island, which has resulted in the death of thousands, particularly affecting many believers and devotees of the Ahlulbayt, peace be upon them, and leaving many homeless while inflicting severe damage upon them.

In expressing his condolences to the victims of this heartbreaking disaster, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi implored the Almighty God for forgiveness and vast mercy for the deceased, as well as health and safety for the injured, and compensation for the losses incurred.

On this occasion, the Supreme Marja called upon all believers to exert their utmost efforts in providing assistance and relief to the people of this island and in addressing the damages they have suffered.