Mayotte in France cleans up to the cyclone, the dead unclear

Mayotte in France cleans up to the cyclone, the dead unclear

In the French overseas destination Mayotte, only 31 deaths have been confirmed since the devastating cyclone Chido, which swept through the Indian Ocean more than four days ago. The situation remains chaotic and uncertain, and it is feared that the number of victims to be defended could go into thousands.

challenges in coping with disaster

Mayotte, the poorest overseas area in France, houses numerous undocumented migrants, whose informal settlements were completely destroyed by the storm. Many areas are still inaccessible, which makes the already difficult task of assessing deaths and destruction. The local authorities are now intensifying the auxiliary measures and planning the distribution of 120 tons of food.

The current situation and first number of victims

According to the local prefecture, 1,373 people with minor injuries have been registered so far, while the full count of the fatalities and injured will take some time. "I can't give a number because I don't know how high the number of victims will be. I am afraid that the number could be too high," said the incumbent Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau compared to Bfmtv.

funerals and population issues

Some victims were immediately buried in accordance with the Muslim custom before their deaths could be officially recorded. The uncertainty about the exact population of Mayotte also makes the situation even more difficult. Official statistics put the population at 321,000, but many believe that this number is far higher due to illegal immigration from the comors and Madagascar.

cleaning up in Mamoudzou

In the capital Mamoudzou, residents searched the debris of their destroyed dwellings, where there were once simple huts. Others tried to repair the roofs of the houses that had withstanded the storm with metal plates. Nizar Assani, who heads a real estate company in Mamoudzou, reported sad news about the death of a villager who received no support from a breath due to a power failure.

water shortage and health risks

The health organizations are preparing for an increase in diseases, since many corpses remain unaffected and the population has difficulty finding clean drinking water. Due to the lack of water, people stand in line to fill their canisters and buckets. It is reported that half of the population should have access to running water by Wednesday evening.

political reactions and support from Europe

The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that France has activated the EU civil protection mechanism to mobilize support from other countries. Political opposition in France has the feeling of neglect and the insufficient preparation for natural disasters criticized by the government.

The challenge that Mayotte faces is complex, and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop. It is clear that both nationally and internationally support is needed to help local people and to prevent a humanitarian disaster.