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Mayotte in France clears up after cyclone, deaths unclear
After the devastating Cyclone Chido, Mayotte is struggling with unclear death tolls. Authorities are accelerating relief efforts as the island begins its reconstruction.
Mayotte in France clears up after cyclone, deaths unclear
Only 31 deaths have been confirmed in the French overseas destination of Mayotte 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 could be in the thousands.
Challenges in disaster management
Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory, is home to numerous undocumented migrants whose informal settlements were completely destroyed by the storm. Many areas remain inaccessible, further complicating the already difficult task of assessing deaths and destruction. The local authorities are now intensifying relief efforts and planning to distribute 120 tons of food.
The current situation and initial victim numbers
According to the local prefecture, 1,373 people have been recorded with minor injuries so far, while the full count of deaths and injuries will take time. "I can't give a number because I don't know what the number of victims will be. I'm afraid the number might be too high," acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told BFMTV.
Funerals and population issues
Some victims were buried immediately, in accordance with Muslim custom, before their deaths could be officially recorded. The uncertainty about the exact population of Mayotte further complicates the situation. Official statistics put the population at 321,000, but many believe this number is much higher due to illegal immigration from the Comoros and Madagascar.
Clean-up work in Mamoudzou
In the capital Mamoudzou, residents searched through the rubble of their destroyed homes, where simple huts had once stood. Others tried to repair the roofs of houses that had withstood the storm with metal panels. Nizar Assani, who runs a real estate company in Mamoudzou, reported sad news about the death of a villager who did not receive support from a breathing machine due to a power outage.
Water scarcity and health risks
Health organizations are bracing for a surge in illnesses as many bodies remain untouched and populations struggle to find clean drinking water. Due to the lack of water, people are lining up to fill their jerry cans 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
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 criticized the government's sense of neglect and inadequate preparation for natural disasters.
The challenge facing Mayotte is complex and it remains to be seen how the situation will develop. It is clear that both national and international support is needed to help local people and prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.