- At least 22 have died but death toll expected to rise
- Thousands without clean drinking water and lack of supplies
- Curfew imposed to curb unrest and looting
Mayotte Faces Water Shortages After Cyclone Chido, Curfew Imposed Amid Crisis
Tens of thousands of people in Mayotte are still without access to clean water following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. The French Indian Ocean territory is grappling with widespread destruction, and rescuers are working tirelessly to locate missing individuals.
Preliminary reports from France’s interior ministry confirm that 22 people have died, though Mayotte’s prefect has warned that the death toll could rise significantly, potentially reaching into the thousands. Health officials are raising alarms about the risk of infectious diseases due to the lack of clean drinking water and reports of rationed supplies in local shops.
In response to the crisis, a curfew has been imposed on the island from 22:00 local time (19:00 GMT) to 04:00 the following morning (01:00 GMT) to prevent looting and maintain order. The authorities have prioritised the restoration of damaged water plants, and by Wednesday, they reported that the water system had been partially restored, with hopes that 50% of the population would have access to water by the evening.
Aid efforts are ramping up, with 120 tonnes of food expected to be distributed on Wednesday. President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Mayotte on Thursday to oversee the relief efforts. Meanwhile, half of the territory remains without power, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents.