An overnight curfew has been implemented in Mayotte following the impact of Cyclone Chido, the most severe storm to hit the French Indian Ocean archipelago in nine decades. The official death toll has climbed to 22, with over 1,400 individuals injured, including 48 in critical condition. Concerns linger that the actual number of casualties could be significantly higher.
The curfew, effective from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. each night, aims to curb looting of damaged structures as authorities work towards stabilizing the region. Mayotte Hospital's latest report, as cited by the capital's mayor, indicates the grim situation on the ground.
Lawmaker Estelle Youssouffa highlighted the challenges in assessing the full extent of the disaster, particularly among undocumented migrants who are among the most vulnerable. The devastation has been profound, with makeshift settlements like La Vigie bearing witness to tragic scenes of mass burials.
Efforts to provide aid are ongoing, with French military aircraft delivering essential supplies daily. However, power outages and communication breakdowns persist, leaving many residents without basic necessities. The island's primary hospital is severely damaged, necessitating the imminent arrival of a field hospital.
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his intention to visit Mayotte soon and declare a national mourning period in response to the catastrophe. Cyclone Chido's impact serves as a stark reminder of the susceptibility of Mayotte's impoverished population to such natural disasters.
As the recovery and relief operations continue, the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities will be crucial in rebuilding and healing from the aftermath of this devastating cyclone.
