In brief
Following Cyclone Chido's catastrophic impact on Mayotte, urgent relief efforts are underway as the local population grapples with destruction, water shortages, and the political implications of their plight.
As BBC's Mayeni Jones reports, the devastation across Mayotte is striking, especially after Cyclone Chido swept through the French Indian Ocean territory last Saturday. Upon arrival over Petite-Terre, Mayotte's smaller island, the impact of the storm was evident in the stark transformation of the landscape. Once lush rolling hills dotted with coconut trees now lay barren and charred, their foliage stripped away by winds reaching up to 220 km/h. The destruction extended to essential infrastructure; the airport's signal tower was left mangled and an airport hotel, a rare source of Wi-Fi and electricity, sustained significant roof and window damage.French officials have confirmed at least 31 fatalities, with fears that the toll may rise as thousands remain unaccounted for. Authorities have declared a state of exceptional natural disaster in this impoverished part of France, where many residents live in makeshift homes.When French President Emmanuel Macron visited Grande-Terre on Thursday, he brought with him four tonnes of food and health supplies. However, critics pointed to a lack of investment in Mayotte as a key factor contributing to the extensive damage, a sentiment echoed by many residents. While Macron's government faces internal challenges and a contentious immigration discourse, Mayotte finds itself at the crossroads of political and environmental crises.In the wake of the cyclone, residents are still waiting for basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Heavy rainfall exacerbated the situation, flooding buildings already damaged by the storm. The declaration of a month-long state of emergency aims to streamline administrative responses to the crisis. François-Noël Buffet, the minister responsible for overseas territories, stated that extraordinary measures are required to restore vital services and establish a sustainable recovery plan.Emergency services are deploying resources to distribute food and water while undertaking road-clearing operations to assist stranded residents. Health officials are concerned about potential outbreaks of infectious diseases, given the severe clean drinking water shortages and ongoing rationing in local shops. The authorities have prioritized restoring water treatment facilities, yet many areas continue to experience prolonged power outages. A newly imposed curfew limits movement at night to mitigate the risk of looting, underscoring the desperate situation in Mayotte.As Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, it continued its path towards the African mainland, reportedly resulting in increased fatalities in Mozambique and Malawi.
