Following severe damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido, Mayotte, a French island territory, has introduced a curfew and is urgently receiving aid for its residents, amidst fears that hundreds may be dead due to the storm's impact.
Mayotte Faces Crisis Following Cyclone Destruction
Mayotte Faces Crisis Following Cyclone Destruction
Urgent aid efforts are underway in Mayotte after Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc on the French archipelago, leaving devastation in its wake.
The French archipelago of Mayotte is grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which caused widespread destruction over the weekend, leading authorities to implement a night-time curfew. The cyclone has reportedly taken at least 22 lives, while estimates suggest hundreds more may be unaccounted for, particularly due to the presence of numerous undocumented immigrants living in precarious conditions across the islands.
Officials have expressed concern that the full extent of the death toll might remain unknown for several days as rescue efforts continue. Over one-third of Mayotte's 320,000 residents are believed to live in informal settlements, compounding the challenges faced in assessing the true human cost of the disaster.
The cyclone also affected Mozambique, where heavy winds and rains have resulted in at least 34 fatalities and considerable damage to housing, with a staggering 35,000 homes reported as either completely or partially destroyed. Humanitarian organizations anticipate that these figures may rise as more information becomes available.
Emergency response teams in Mayotte have been working tirelessly to restore essential services. Preliminary reports indicate around 70% of the roadways have been cleared of debris, allowing aid to reach those in critical need. However, communication has been severely compromised, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies noting disrupted contact with more than 200 volunteers stationed on the islands.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the French government is coordinating rapid aid distribution from Réunion Island, with shipments of food and bottled water being transported to the affected areas. The newly imposed curfew, scheduled from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., is aimed at maintaining order amidst the situation, although incidents of looting and unrest have been reported as minimal.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to arrive in Mayotte in the coming days to assess the crisis and bolster support for recovery efforts. As the island territory begins to recover from the storm’s unprecedented damage, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents during this challenging time.
Officials have expressed concern that the full extent of the death toll might remain unknown for several days as rescue efforts continue. Over one-third of Mayotte's 320,000 residents are believed to live in informal settlements, compounding the challenges faced in assessing the true human cost of the disaster.
The cyclone also affected Mozambique, where heavy winds and rains have resulted in at least 34 fatalities and considerable damage to housing, with a staggering 35,000 homes reported as either completely or partially destroyed. Humanitarian organizations anticipate that these figures may rise as more information becomes available.
Emergency response teams in Mayotte have been working tirelessly to restore essential services. Preliminary reports indicate around 70% of the roadways have been cleared of debris, allowing aid to reach those in critical need. However, communication has been severely compromised, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies noting disrupted contact with more than 200 volunteers stationed on the islands.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the French government is coordinating rapid aid distribution from Réunion Island, with shipments of food and bottled water being transported to the affected areas. The newly imposed curfew, scheduled from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., is aimed at maintaining order amidst the situation, although incidents of looting and unrest have been reported as minimal.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to arrive in Mayotte in the coming days to assess the crisis and bolster support for recovery efforts. As the island territory begins to recover from the storm’s unprecedented damage, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents during this challenging time.
