Cyclone Chido: When the paradise of Mayotte loses its shine

IN BRIEF

Cyclone Chido caused significant damage to tourist facilities in Mayotte.
The hotel Trévani suffered 60% destruction, unable to reopen quickly.
The roofs of buildings were particularly affected, impacting 70% of the rooms at Hamaha Beach.
A barge was found stranded near the hotel, illustrating the intensity of the events.
Reconstruction efforts are underway at Caribou, despite the loss of rooms.
The Tourist Office has not yet been able to establish an official assessment, highlighting the challenges ahead.

Cyclone Chido, which struck the Comoros archipelago on December 14, 2024, left behind a landscape of desolation deeply felt in the tourism industry. This violent climatic phenomenon caused considerable damage to infrastructures and establishments welcoming tourists, thus hindering their ability to operate. Through this article, we will explore the direct consequences of this natural disaster on the economy and the tourism sector in Mayotte, highlighting the struggle of local actors to recover from this ordeal.

Destruction of tourist establishments #

In Mamoudzou, the capital of Mayotte, the Trévani hotel suffered alarming destruction, with nearly 60% of its facilities ravaged. The manager, Maoré Tanchiki, stands before the remnants of his establishment, recording wood and metal debris as the only witnesses to the uncertain future that awaits him. Despite the construction standards in place, the violence of the elements caused damages that even safety systems could not withstand.

The Hamaha Beach hotel also suffered from the cyclone’s devastation. Ted Le Bihan, its manager, noted that the roof of the establishment suffered a major failure, impacting 70% of the rooms. The facilities, although initially designed to withstand cyclones, could not escape the fury of the violent winds that characterized that tragic night. As temporary protective tarps are being put in place, the hotel’s future remains bleak.

The staff and community in distress #

The individuals in the tourism community, from hotel staff to restaurateurs, are also affected by this crisis. Employees, often found without work due to establishment closures, face unprecedented uncertainty. Owners are trying to remain positive, implementing strategies to reopen their doors as repairs progress, but the feeling of despair remains. Bruno Garcia, manager of Caribou, expresses his determination to reopen but emphasizes the complexity of the tasks involved in terms of safety and repairs.

Reconstruction efforts are just beginning, and each establishment is implementing security measures to ensure that this does not happen again in the future. However, the road to normalcy will be long and fraught with obstacles.

Long-term economic consequences #

The economic consequences of cyclone Chido are not limited solely to the affected establishments. The entire tourism industry in Mayotte is at risk of severe repercussions. The Tourist Office, struggling to produce a complete assessment, estimates that it will take months, if not years, for the sector to fully recover. Cancellations of bookings are pouring in, while tourists hesitate to travel to an island marked by such a disaster.

Furthermore, the impact on local commerce related to tourism will also be significant. Restaurants, souvenir shops, and other services that depend on visitors are already facing a significant decline in their activity. The economic dependency on tourism means that a revival will be essential for the survival of many businesses.

A regional solidarity in response to the disaster #

In the face of extensive damage, solidarity has become a driving force in responding to this crisis. Initiatives are being implemented to support tourism stakeholders, with aid and grant programs aimed at restoring infrastructure. The commitment of political authorities and local associations has also emerged as a predominant theme, highlighting the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

It is essential that this support is not limited to an emergency response, but is also directed towards sustainability and the prevention of future disasters. Measures aimed at improving infrastructure and preparing the population for extreme weather events are necessary to strengthen the resilience of tourist establishments.