Charles shares his experience as a volunteer firefighter in Mayotte
On December 14, 2024, tropical cyclone Chido struck Mayotte head-on. The toll is severe: many victims, destroyed homes, and critical infrastructure left in ruins. With no electricity and scarce drinking water, the local population faced an emergency situation. Charles Nadeau, logistician at Safran Aircraft Engines in Châtellerault, former naval rescuer, and volunteer firefighter for 19 years, answered the call and flew to Mayotte.
A sudden departure into the unknown
On the night of January 16 to 17, Charles learns that his application to assist in Mayotte had been accepted. He has just 48 hours to prepare for departure.
Friday, January 17, 1:00 PM – He takes the afternoon off to pack. No unnecessary items, just clothes suited to the tropical climate, first aid supplies, and essential gear for bivouacking. Experience is speaking.
Saturday, January 18, 5:00 AM – Departure from Vienne with six other firefighters.
6:00 AM, Charles de Gaulle Airport – 200 emergency responders from all over France are gathered: firefighters, gendarmes, and civil protection teams. Charles is one of the few volunteers among professionals. He recognizes a few familiar faces.
5:00 PM, Mayotte – Upon arrival, the airport is under tight security. Charles recalls, “We were welcomed by the General Controller, the highest-ranking firefighter, who gave us a detailed briefing on the context, climate, and intervention conditions.” Teams are then divided into groups. His group sets off for their temporary accommodation: a school. Makeshift wooden pallets serve as a dining area. Adaptation begins.
First steps in the field
Sunday, January 19, 6:00 AM – First day in action. They head for the most devastated areas. The sight is heartbreaking: houses torn apart, wrecked cars, piles of debris… Yet, in the middle of the destruction, children play in the mud. Charles shares, “At that moment, it was a shock. These kids were smiling, laughing. They seemed happy… It was beyond words.”
1:00 PM – Medical aid is the priority. Charles takes part in outreach missions to assess the injured. Contact is established with local NGOs, and first aid efforts begin. Bandages, antiseptics, emergency care. But Charles quickly grasps the full extent of the tragedy. Residents guide them through the ruins. “This wasn’t just something you see on TV. We were living it. The heat, the smell of waste and decay, the impassable roads… It was another world.”
Rescuing, no matter what
Day after day, the work continue. From sunrise, they battle the scorching heat. Charles helps coordinate air and sea freight to distribute essential supplies; food and medicine. Temperatures is reaching 51°C (124°F) on the tarmac, the heat burns their skin and drains their energy. Alongside his team, Charles works on reinforcing and securing buildings. “We were protecting both people and property. We did the best we could with what little we had,” he explains.
What struck him most over time is the sheer human suffering. He and his team encounter children suffering from severe infections.
“We couldn’t help but compare their lives to ours. For us, the situation was heartbreaking. But these kids never cried or complained. They played with the few balloons I blew up for them… It was overwhelming.”
By the second week, exhaustion sets in. His team moves to Mamoudzou. 40°C (104°F) in an overcrowded gym, two fans for 60 people. “Physically, it started taking a toll. We worked from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, sometimes getting called back for emergencies.” The pace is relentless, but they keep going.
A final farewell… and a powerful moment
Last mission, unforgettable. The team reach a slum, overlooked by relief efforts. Difficult access, rough terrain. What they find is devastating: isolated families, malnourished children, makeshift shelters reduced to rubble. And yet, they are greeted with songs and dancing, expressions of gratitude. Many, a local NGO coordinator, break down in tears: “What you see, tell others. Let people know what’s happening here.” an indescribable moment for Charles.
Thursday, February 6, 5:00 AM – Mission complete. Time to leave. At the airport, the emotions are heavy. Back in mainland France, Charles needs a week to physically recover and process everything he has experienced. His conclusion?
“I was mentally and physically prepared, which allowed me to put my whole heart into this mission. If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.”
Thanks to a partnership between Safran Aircraft Engines and the local fire and rescue services (SDIS) in Vienne and Tours, Charles was granted 15 days of leave to take part in this mission. “It may just be a drop in the ocean, but every drop counts,” he concluded.
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