In Mayotte, tens of thousands of people are still without access to water following Cyclone Chido, with the death toll potentially rising to thousands. Health workers are concerned about the spread of infectious diseases due to clean water shortages and rationed supplies. More aid is expected to arrive soon. Islanders are under a curfew to prevent looting.
Efforts are focused on getting damaged water plants back in operation. Authorities hope to have 50% of the population with access to water by the evening. The French government plans to distribute 120 tonnes of food and President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit. Half the territory remains without power.
Mayotte, one of the poorest parts of France, was severely affected by the storm, with widespread destruction reported. Rescue operations are ongoing to find survivors and clear debris. The death toll is expected to rise significantly as the extent of the damage is assessed. Chido also caused casualties in Mozambique and Malawi.
The situation is challenging due to inaccessible areas and uncertainty about the population size. Authorities estimate a significant number of undocumented migrants living in Mayotte. The government is sending supplies via air bridge from Reunion Island and a French navy vessel is due to arrive with assistance.
The ferry service between Mayotte’s main islands has resumed, allowing some affected individuals to reunite with their families. The extent of the devastation has left many people in distress, with buildings destroyed and basic services disrupted.
“Estamos de vuelta a la Edad de Piedra.”
Mientras tanto, en Malawi – donde Chido se dirigió después de pasar por Mayotte – las autoridades dicen que 13 personas murieron.
Hasta 20 de los 29 distritos del país han experimentado “daños leves a severos” que afectan a unas 35,000 personas, según un comunicado del departamento de gestión de desastres.
El número de muertos y el nivel de destrucción es menor que en el vecino Mozambique, donde las autoridades cifraron el número de muertos en 45.
Los expertos dicen que las tormentas estacionales como Chido se están intensificando en fuerza debido a las aguas oceánicas más cálidas.
El ciclón plantea otro desafío para el gobierno después de meses de agitación política, con Bayrou nombrado la semana pasada tras la destitución del ex primer ministro Michel Barnier.
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