In brief
As Mayotte grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, reports reveal at least 31 fatalities, infrastructure destruction, and a humanitarian crisis amidst political turmoil.
Mayotte's idyllic landscapes have been reduced to scenes of utter devastation following Cyclone Chido's destructive passage. The French Indian Ocean territory, home to rolling hills and fruitful coconut plantations, now presents a stark contrast of barren grounds and uprooted trees. Upon arrival over Petite-Terre, the smaller island, BBC's Mayeni Jones described the scene as "complete devastation," with the cyclone's powerful winds peaking at 220 km/h wreaking havoc on the environment and infrastructure.With the cyclone striking on Saturday, reports indicate at least 31 deaths; however, the number of missing persons suggests this toll could unfortunately increase. The French government has declared a state of exceptional natural disaster for the impoverished territory, amplifying the urgency surrounding its recovery. Many residents, often living in informal settlements, are left without access to drinking water and shelter as a curfew is imposed to prevent looting amidst the chaos.The destruction prompted French President Emmanuel Macron to visit on Thursday, bringing with him four tonnes of food and health aid. While addressing the urgent need for assistance, some critics claimed that the level of destruction is a direct outcome of the government's chronic underinvestment in Mayotte. Facing substantial challenges, Macron's government must navigate a heated migration debate within France, impacting perceptions of support for Mayotte amidst its humanitarian crisis.Emergency services are struggling to restore vital services while ensuring the safety of the local population. The minister responsible for overseas territories, François-Noël Buffet, affirmed that exceptional resources would be mobilized to expedite recovery efforts and implement a sustainable reconstruction plan. As residents endure shortages of clean drinking water and food, the authorities stress their priority is to restore functioning water facilities; half of the territory continues to experience power outages.Cyclone Chido, now deemed the worst storm to hit the archipelago in nearly a century, is not only affecting Mayotte but has also left catastrophic marks on the African mainland, with reports listing at least 45 fatalities in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi, emphasizing the widespread impact of this natural disaster.
