MAMOUDZOU, Mayotte – On Wednesday, families aiming to recover from the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido expressed feelings of hopelessness as they awaited the arrival of France’s president and an additional 180 tons of humanitarian aid slated to reach the French island territory.
Survivors, along with aid organizations, have reported on the chaos in the aftermath, including urgent burials and the unpleasant odor of human remains. The impact on informal settlements, where many migrants reside, has further complicated the efforts to ascertain the full extent of the tragedy.
Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean near Africa’s east coast, is regarded as France’s least affluent region and is known for its attractiveness to migrants seeking passage to Europe. This week, France’s interior minister has voiced intentions to increase enforcement in response to the situation.
The cyclone, which occurred last Saturday, stands as the most lethal storm to hit the territory in almost a century, wreaking havoc across the islands with wind speeds surpassing 220 kph (136 mph), as reported by the French weather authorities. Many residents failed to heed cyclone alerts, underestimating the storm’s potential severity.
In the aftermath, individuals sift through the wreckage in search of food, as communication lines remain unstable and even well-constructed facilities, such as health centers, sustained damage.
As reporters navigated the streets of Mayotte, they witnessed a landscape marked by damaged homes, uprooted trees, and long lines of people awaiting access to water. A contingent of French military personnel has set up a temporary base at the local airport to assist in relief efforts.
According to French Prime Minister François Bayrou, over 1,500 individuals suffered injuries, with more than 200 in critical condition. Authorities are concerned that the death toll may reach hundreds or even thousands.
On the nearby French island of Reunion, where many families have connections to Mayotte, residents are mobilizing to send aid. Some have reported that relatives on Mayotte lack basic necessities such as food and water, with roofs torn off homes in the cyclone’s wake, making communication challenging for days.
“It’s tough because I feel powerless,” remarked 19-year-old Khayra Djoumoi Thany, reflecting the emotional toll on those far from their loved ones.
Another local, Anrafa Parassouramin, expressed concern over potential disease outbreaks due to contaminated water sources. “People are resorting to drinking from any available source, which may not be safe,” she said.
Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq has highlighted the threat of a cholera epidemic, especially after a recent outbreak of a drug-resistant strain on the archipelago.
French authorities have initiated the distribution of 23 tons of water as of Wednesday. François-Noël Buffet, the French minister for overseas territories, announced that the aid delivered by air has begun to be distributed across Mayotte.
The minister mentioned that the local water supply system is functioning at only 50% capacity and poses a risk of contamination. Electricity has been partially restored.
Mayotte’s hospital has suffered extensive damage, but plans are in place for a field hospital to be operational by early next week, said Buffet.
A naval vessel is expected to reach Mayotte on Thursday, loaded with 180 tons of aid and essential supplies, as per the French military’s updates.
French President Emmanuel Macron is also scheduled to visit Mayotte on Thursday, intending to tour a hospital and areas hit hardest by the cyclone. “Our fellow citizens are enduring tremendous hardship just a few thousand kilometers from here,” Macron stated.
Residents of Mayotte have long expressed grievances about perceived governmental neglect from France.
On Tuesday evening, a program broadcasted by France 2 successfully raised 5 million euros (approximately $5.24 million) in support for Mayotte, facilitated through the Foundation of France charity, as reported by the channel.