Mayotte Struck Again by Storms: Flooding and Mudslides Follow Cyclone Chido's Devastation

Tue Jan 13 2026 03:36:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Mayotte faces another natural disaster as recent storms lead to severe flooding and mudslides across the region, sparking fears of further devastation.

As Mayotte grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, new storms have caused additional heavy rains, leading to extensive flooding and emergency evacuations.

The French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte is reeling from destructive weather once again, as heavy rains associated with the recent storm, Dikeledi, have led to significant flooding and mudslides, just a month after Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc across the islands. The recent storm prompted the archipelago to issue a state of maximum alert on Sunday, warning residents of violent winds and the threat of further landslides.

In the village of Mbouini, which previously escaped the wrath of Cyclone Chido, rising waters have submerged the area, compounding the disaster for residents. This latest storm made landfall in northern Madagascar, where it claimed at least three lives before heading towards Mayotte.

François-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, expressed concern over the intensifying rainfall, stating, "Extremely heavy rains are beginning to trickle down," leading to the initial signs of flooding and significant mudslides. Authorities anticipate maintaining a red alert status until Monday evening, as more rain is predicted even after the storm’s passage.

Reports indicate that approximately 14,500 individuals have sought refuge in temporary shelters established to shield them from the storm. Although the system is moving southeast, forecasts predict it will escalate over 24 hours into a tropical cyclone while approaching Mozambique's coast, though landfall there isn't expected.

The Nampula region could still experience severely degraded conditions as it also prepares for the continuing aftereffects of Cyclone Chido, which earlier killed over 120 people in Mozambique and left Mayotte devastated as well.

Located in one of France’s poorest regions, Mayotte's population is officially recorded at 320,000, yet it is estimated that 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented migrants also reside there. Cyclone Chido, which struck on December 14, was marked as the worst storm in Mayotte's history, with winds reaching 260 km/h (160 mph). Initial death tolls suggested hundreds were lost, but later assessments reduced the count to 39 confirmed casualties.