In brief
Devastation unfolds in Mayotte as Tropical Cyclone Chido wreaks havoc, leading to a curfew and intensified rescue operations. The death toll may rise, with hundreds feared lost and UN reports confirming fatalities in Mozambique as well.
The authorities in the French territory of Mayotte declared a curfew Tuesday in light of the catastrophic damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido. The cyclone struck the islands off Africa's eastern coast over the weekend, leaving at least 22 confirmed dead while officials warn that hundreds or even thousands are likely lost. Many of the 320,000 residents include undocumented immigrants living in informal settlements, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. In addition to Mayotte's plight, Mozambique also faced the cyclone's wrath, where reports cited at least 34 deaths and the destruction of over 35,000 homes. As the extent of the disaster becomes clearer, aid agencies are concerned that casualty figures may still rise significantly.Emergency workers in Mayotte have reported that their efforts to clear fallen trees and re-establish access to essential services are underway, though communication has been impeded due to downed networks. Nearly 70% of the roadways have been cleared, facilitating aid transport from Réunion, another French island being utilized as a staging ground for relief operations.To maintain security and order amidst the turmoil, the French interior ministry has instituted a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., although instances of looting and unrest have remained minimal. French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit the islands soon to oversee the response efforts firsthand.
