The death toll in Mayotte from Cyclone Chido’s devastating impact remains uncertain, with shantytowns housing undocumented migrants destroyed and many areas still inaccessible. Local officials and health workers fear that hundreds or even thousands may have perished in the strongest storm to hit the Indian Ocean archipelago in nine decades. As of now, only 22 confirmed fatalities have been recorded in hospitals.
Acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed concern over the heavy toll but admitted the difficulty in determining an exact count due to immediate burials in line with Muslim tradition and inaccessible areas. Complicating matters is the uncertainty surrounding Mayotte’s population size, with estimates surpassing the official figure of 321,000 due to undocumented immigration from Comoros and Madagascar.
Meanwhile, the death toll rose in Mozambique to 45 and in Malawi to 13 following the cyclone’s passage through Mayotte. Relief efforts in Mayotte are ongoing, with food supplies being distributed and aid arriving from Reunion Island. However, there have been reports of looting and violence, with two gendarmes injured during a curfew imposed in response.
Residents in Mamoudzou are rebuilding what they can after the storm, with many flimsy structures in shantytowns completely destroyed. Health workers are preparing for potential disease outbreaks, while Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims during his weekly audience. Criticism has been directed at the French government for its perceived neglect of Mayotte and lack of readiness for climate-related disasters.
As Mayotte grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, calls for urgent support and assistance continue amid the challenging conditions faced by its vulnerable population.
Reports regarding immigration and inflation have contributed to establishing the region as a bastion for the far-right National Rally, with a notable 60% of the electorate casting their votes in favor of Marine Le Pen during the 2022 presidential election runoff. The information was gathered by Tassilo Hummel in Mamoudzou, with additional insights provided by Makini Brice in Paris, Custodio Cossa in Maputo, Frank Phiri in Blantyre, and Joshua McElwee in Rome. The content was skillfully composed by Aaron Ross and meticulously edited by Angus MacSwan.
