Chido Cyclone : Interview with the General Manager of The Citadelle Group in Mayotte

Interview with Laurent Janoviez, General Manager of MMCD, SMCA, and Hamaha Rent in Mayotte, Reflecting on His Experience During Cyclone Chido’s Passage on December 14, 2024

Can you describe the scale of Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mayotte, both for the community and for Groupe Citadelle’s operations?

“Talking about the impact of this cyclone means talking about a catastrophe. Everyone was affected by the violent winds and the destruction of homes. Even solidly built houses suffered flooding or had their roofs ripped off. For those living in precarious housing, the situation is even more dramatic – their homes were completely destroyed.

From an operational standpoint, Groupe Citadelle was not spared. The workshop and store of our dealership lost their roofs, exposing the workshop to the elements, and the offices were destroyed. While the body shop remained standing, part of its framework was damaged. At Hamaha Rent, the wind shifted buildings, and a neighboring roof crashed onto vehicles.”

What were the immediate challenges you and your team faced during and after the cyclone?

“The first challenge was locating all our employees. The anxiety was immense because many were in areas without network coverage. Then, we had to assess the extent of the damage to devise an action plan. By Saturday evening, we conducted a preliminary assessment. On Sunday, we documented the damage with photos and videos for the insurance companies. By Monday, the teams were mobilized to secure the premises.

Unfortunately, we faced acts of looting and vandalism. Thankfully, we had anticipated this by securing vehicles, which limited the damage.

The reconstruction process is complex, with security concerns and a shortage of materials. However, solidarity has played an important role, notably with a construction company that spontaneously came to clear debris from our lot.”

What was your personal experience during the cyclone? How did you and your team react to ensure safety and continuity?

“Like everyone else, I lived through this nightmare, bailing out water that was flooding my house. The fear of losing loved ones or belongings was a common sentiment, and some people no longer have a roof over their heads.

To ensure safety, we avoided nighttime travel and made sure everyone had found shelter. Regarding continuity, our priority was restarting the IT servers. With only one site powered, we made SMCA our central hub.”

What immediate measures did you take after the cyclone to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts?

“We acted quickly to secure the sites, identify hazardous areas such as dangling power lines, and protect recoverable equipment. While everyone is mobilized, we may eventually need to consider psychological support for the teams.”

How did local employees show resilience and contribute to the recovery process?

“Our employees mobilized as early as Sunday. Some came on foot or by taxi, despite the difficult conditions. They actively participated in securing the buildings and equipment, demonstrating remarkable dedication.”

Are there any initiatives or programs that Groupe Citadelle could implement to ensure long-term support for the community?

“As a key mobility player, our role is essential. We are doing everything possible to deliver the vehicles already planned and repair those waiting for service. At Hamaha Rent, we’ve already resumed rentals to meet the community’s needs. We must maintain this level of responsiveness over the long term.”

What are your initial takeaways from the aftermath of the cyclone?

“I’m proud of my teams. This crisis has revealed their resilience and dedication. Every day presents a new challenge, but we remain united to show that we can bounce back, even under the most difficult conditions. The future of Mayotte will depend on the solidarity of all stakeholders, both private and public.”