Disaster Response. Step One. Get There.
Situation Overview
On December 14, Category 4 Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mayotte, a French territory located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Mozambique. The cyclone caused widespread devastation, including significant damage to the main hospital and airport. It also impacted Mozambique and Malawi, leaving further destruction in its wake. Chido is the third named storm and the second intense tropical cyclone of the 2024–25 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. Though small, it was an exceptionally powerful storm.
In Mayotte, the death toll is estimated to be in the hundreds or even thousands, with severe infrastructure damage and widespread communication outages. Residents are in urgent need of water purification supplies, food, and other critical aid, while thousands remain unaccounted for.
Airlink’s Role: Overcoming Logistical Hurdles For NGOs
Airlink is working with NGO partners on-the-ground who are addressing immediate needs of communities impacted. Â
Airlink is ready and committed to working with airline partners to deliver humanitarian aid in coordination with NGOs.Â
More information is to come as Airlink learns more and responds to the unfolding crisis. Follow us for updates, and consider a gift to us before the end of the year that will help transport humanitarian relief and aid to the region, and prepare us for the ongoing cyclone season in the global south.
Humanitarian Needs
Humanitarian needs include shelter, food, and water for those affected by flooding and landslides. There is potential for outbreaks of cholera and other diseases due to compromised sanitation. Many communities are facing mass displacement, and food insecurity is widespread due to the destruction of agriculture and the loss of livelihoods and assets.
How You Can Help
A coordinated response that delivers effective and appropriate aid is crucial. Despite well-intentioned efforts by individuals and companies to arrange private donations and giving drives, many supplies end up being unsuitable for the region, unused, and causing strain and congestion on local communities. As much as 60% of aid is often wasted. This is especially critical for responses involving smaller island communities, where overwhelming local resources can have severe consequences.
What sets Airlink apart is our strategic approach to disaster response. We collaborate with a vetted network of over 200 NGOs to carefully assess each request for aid movement. Our expertise in logistics and our strong partnerships with airlines allow us to transport aid efficiently and effectively, minimizing waste and maximizing impact.
Your donation is vital in ensuring a timely and effective response. Your support not only helps us respond to Cyclone Chido but also prepares us disasters in 2025. Every contribution makes a difference—please consider donating today to support communities in crisis and help us deliver the right aid to the right place at the right time.
