With wind gusts reaching 124 mph, the cyclone left at least 22 confirmed dead, but officials warn that the true toll may be much higher, particularly among undocumented immigrants living in precarious conditions. French interior ministry stated the curfew is necessary even though reported disturbances and looting remain minimal.
Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, stated that more than 1,400 individuals have sustained injuries, and urged resilience as recovery efforts proceed. The cyclone's unprecedented strength caught many off-guard as it bypassed typical storm-sheltering from Madagascar.
Rescue operations are hindered by the devastation, particularly in hillside shantytowns that remain unreachable. President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to visit the affected regions in the coming days, as the French government ramps up aid logistics from Réunion island, including the transport of bottled water.
Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, stated that more than 1,400 individuals have sustained injuries, and urged resilience as recovery efforts proceed. The cyclone's unprecedented strength caught many off-guard as it bypassed typical storm-sheltering from Madagascar.
Rescue operations are hindered by the devastation, particularly in hillside shantytowns that remain unreachable. President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to visit the affected regions in the coming days, as the French government ramps up aid logistics from Réunion island, including the transport of bottled water.
