Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, is reeling from the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, the worst cyclone it has faced in nearly a century. The impact of the cyclone has been severe, with the death toll still being tallied and essential services disrupted.
Hospitals in Mayotte are overwhelmed, dealing with a surge of patients suffering from injuries, dehydration, malnutrition, and disease. The main hospital in the capital, Mamoudzou, has lost a significant portion of its patient rooms and beds due to structural damage caused by the cyclone.
Authorities have confirmed 35 deaths so far, but the actual number is expected to be much higher. Entire neighborhoods have been devastated, and concerns are rising about potential epidemics due to the lack of clean water, electricity, and overcrowded living conditions.
Many residents, including migrants, ignored warnings about the severity of the storm, leading to tragic consequences. Fear of deportation kept some migrants away from shelters, exacerbating the crisis.
Emergency aid efforts are underway, but the scale of the disaster is overwhelming. The airport remains closed to civilian flights, hindering logistics for delivering essential supplies.
French President Emmanuel Macron has visited Mayotte and pledged to rebuild, but residents are frustrated by the slow pace of aid delivery. The impoverished territory, already grappling with systemic neglect and poverty, faces a long road to recovery.
The situation in Mayotte remains dire, with many residents left homeless and vulnerable. The community is in urgent need of support to address the immediate challenges and rebuild in the wake of this catastrophic event.
