Mayotte, Indian Ocean

Air Charter Service arranges flights to aid victims of Cyclone Chido

Since Cyclone Chido devastated the French island of Mayotte in the western Indian Ocean in December, Air Charter Service has been busy arranging humanitarian aid charter flights to the region, flying in more than 1,000 tons so far, with flights still ongoing.

With winds exceeding 220 km/h (136 mph), the cyclone tore through the archipelago on Saturday, December 14th, destroying villages, and leaving thousands without shelter, water, or electricity.

Ben Dinsdale, Director for Government and Humanitarian Services at Air Charter Service, commented: “We were first contacted the following day and had arranged our first charter to the region less than 72 hours after the cyclone had hit the island.

“The infrastructure on the island was badly damaged, so most of our charters flew into nearby La Réunion, with military boats transporting the aid to the final destination of Mayotte. The cargo we’ve been taking in has been a real mixture of medicine, hygiene kits, tents, camp beds, sleeping bags, blankets, generators, water, water purification tablets and rice.

“Most of the aid has, naturally, come from France, but we have had several charters leaving from other parts of Europe as well. So far, we’ve booked almost 30 flights to the region, on a variety of aircraft including Antonov AN-12s, Airbus A321s, A300s, Boeing B737s, B777s and B747s.

“Unfortunately the situation in Mayotte only got worse, as another tropical storm, Cyclone Dikeledi, caused flooding and mudslides, due to the heavy rainfall. Hopefully, that is the last of it for them and the aid can get to who needs it.”