Tens of thousands in Mayotte face critical water shortages following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, which left the French Indian Ocean territory in disarray. Search and rescue operations are currently underway as authorities scramble to locate missing individuals.
Preliminary reports from France’s interior ministry confirm at least 22 fatalities, although local officials caution that the number could escalate to several thousand. Health experts are on high alert for potential outbreaks of infectious diseases as residents cope with drastic shortages of clean drinking water and limited access to essential supplies from local stores.
In an effort to maintain order during this crisis, a curfew has been enacted from 10 PM to 4 AM to combat looting. Residents in the community of Pamandzi express urgent need for water, with one local stating that stores are overwhelmed by demand.
Power outages affect nearly half the territory, and officials prioritize the restoration of damaged water facilities. Authorities announced that partial restoration of the water supply is expected to benefit about 50% of the population by the evening.
The French government is mobilizing resources, with 120 tons of food scheduled for distribution as President Emmanuel Macron plans to visit Mayotte. Known for its impoverished conditions, the territory is particularly vulnerable, suffering extensive damage from Cyclone Chido, which has been described as the most powerful storm to strike the area in nearly a century, with winds surpassing 225 km/h (140 mph).
Eyewitness accounts depict a scene of devastation, as one resident compared the storm’s force to a “steamroller” that obliterated homes. Rescuers continue their efforts amidst the rubble, focusing on clearing roads and assisting those trapped or injured.
As the full scale of devastation unfolds, officials warn that the death toll may rise significantly. Accurate counts are complicated by the estimated population discrepancies, with as many as 200,000 undocumented migrants potentially residing in the area alongside the official count of 320,000 inhabitants. By now, early estimates indicate 1,373 injuries.
In parliament, France’s Prime Minister emphasized the unprecedented nature of the disaster, highlighting the plight of children and families affected by the storm. To support recovery efforts, the government is coordinating an airlift of supplies from nearby Reunion Island, with a French naval vessel scheduled to arrive soon with additional resources.
Meanwhile, neighboring Malawi reports seven fatalities and significant damages across various districts, while Mozambique is grappling with a higher toll of at least 34 deaths attributed to the cyclone.
Experts warn that the intensity of seasonal storms like Cyclone Chido is increasing due to rising ocean temperatures, posing ongoing challenges for affected regions already beleaguered by political and environmental crises.
