In brief
As Tropical Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc on Mayotte, French authorities impose a curfew amid fears of a high death toll, while aid efforts ramp up to assist those affected by the disaster.
The French territory of Mayotte is grappling with a humanitarian crisis following the catastrophic impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido. Authorities have enacted a curfew after the cyclone hit over the weekend, leading to the destruction of entire neighborhoods and resulting in at least 22 confirmed fatalities. However, officials fear that the true number of casualties could be significantly higher, with estimates suggesting hundreds, if not thousands, may have lost their lives.Mayotte, located off the eastern coast of Africa, has a population in which roughly a third are undocumented immigrants, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. The cyclone has also impacted Mozambique, where at least 34 individuals have died, and tens of thousands of homes have been affected.Emergency services are struggling to maintain communication as downed power lines hinder operations. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported losing contact with over 200 volunteers in the area. As rescue teams clear debris from Mayotte’s road network, help is urgently needed. The curfew, enacted from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., aims to maintain order as authorities prioritize relief efforts. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit the islands soon, underscoring the severity of the situation.
