Tens of thousands of individuals in Mayotte are currently without access to water following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido in this French Indian Ocean territory. Rescue efforts are underway to locate missing persons, with initial reports from France’s interior ministry indicating 22 fatalities. However, local authorities have cautioned that the death toll may escalate to thousands. Concerns among health workers have risen regarding the potential spread of infectious diseases, as residents face shortages of clean drinking water and stores are rationing supplies. Additional aid is expected to arrive on Wednesday to assist in the relief efforts.
Residents of the island spent their first night under a curfew from 22:00 local time on Tuesday to 04:00 on Wednesday, aimed at preventing looting. Ali Ahmidi Youssouf, 39, expressed the urgency for water, stating that there is a widespread scarcity as people rush to stores to secure supplies. Authorities are focusing on restoring damaged water facilities as a top priority. By Wednesday evening, it is projected that 50% of the population will regain access to water, as efforts to partially reinstate the water system were underway. The French government has announced plans to distribute 120 tonnes of food on Wednesday, with President Emmanuel Macron scheduled to visit Mayotte on Thursday. Despite ongoing challenges, half of the territory remains without electricity.
Mayotte, known as one of the poorest regions in France, was severely impacted by Cyclone Chido, the most severe storm to hit the archipelago in nine decades. The storm’s powerful winds exceeding 225km/h caused widespread destruction, particularly in areas where residents reside in makeshift shelters with sheet metal roofs. Witnesses described the storm as a force that flattened everything in its path, leaving a trail of debris and destruction. Rescue teams are diligently searching for survivors amidst the devastation, working to clear roads and assist affected communities.
Chido also caused significant casualties in Mozambique and Malawi, highlighting the widespread impact of the cyclone across the region. Challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage are exacerbated by the region’s inaccessibility and uncertainties regarding the total population. Local authorities have expressed concerns that the death toll in Mayotte could potentially reach into the thousands, as efforts continue to provide relief and support to those affected by the disaster.
Between 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented migrants are estimated to be residing in the area. Initial data from the interior ministry indicates that 1,373 individuals in Mayotte sustained injuries. France’s newly appointed Prime Minister, François Bayrou, informed the parliament on Tuesday that there were “200 severely wounded and 1,500 others in critical condition.” Expressing his shock at the scale of the devastation, Bayrou later stated, “I have never witnessed such a catastrophic event on our national territory. My heart goes out to the children who have lost their homes, whose schools have been mostly destroyed, and whose parents are understandably distraught.”
In response to the crisis, the government announced plans to provide assistance by establishing an air bridge from Reunion Island, another French territory in the Indian Ocean. A delivery of 100 tonnes of food is scheduled for distribution on the larger Grand-Terre island in Mayotte on Wednesday, with an additional 20 tonnes designated for the smaller Petite-Terre island. Furthermore, a French navy support ship is expected to reach Mayotte on Thursday morning, carrying 180 tonnes of essential supplies. The ferry service connecting the main islands of Mayotte has resumed operations, facilitating the return of individuals stranded by the storm to their families.
As the relief efforts continue, a landowner, who chose to remain anonymous, shared his distress while boarding the ferry, stating, “I have not received any updates from my employees in five days. It feels like we have regressed to a primitive era.” Meanwhile, in Malawi, where Chido made landfall after passing through Mayotte, authorities reported 13 fatalities. Approximately 20 out of the country’s 29 districts have suffered varying degrees of damage affecting around 35,000 individuals, as confirmed by the disaster management department. The extent of the devastation in Malawi is comparatively lower than that of neighboring Mozambique, where the death toll has reached 45.
Experts attribute the increasing intensity of seasonal storms like Chido to rising ocean temperatures, emphasizing the impact of climate change on extreme weather events. The onslaught of the cyclone poses a new challenge for the government, which is already grappling with political instability. Bayrou’s recent appointment followed the removal of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier amidst ongoing political turmoil.
Amidst the turmoil caused by Cyclone Chido, the plight of the affected communities remains a pressing concern. The collaborative efforts of government agencies, relief organizations, and volunteers are crucial in providing support and aid to those impacted by the disaster. The resilience and solidarity demonstrated by individuals facing adversity exemplify the strength of communities in times of crisis. The road to recovery may be long and arduous, but with unwavering determination and support, the affected regions can rebuild and emerge stronger from the devastation wrought by the cyclone.
