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18 December 2024

Mayotte Faces Nighttime Curfew After Cyclone Chido

Cyclone’s devastation prompts urgent search for survivors and restoration efforts amid rising death toll.

Authorities have declared a nighttime curfew across Mayotte, the French overseas territory recently battered by Cyclone Chido, as officials wrestle with the aftermath of the storm. With the terrain still littered with rubble and the region’s infrastructure severely damaged, the curfew aims to curb rampant looting reported following the cyclone's devastation.

The cyclone, which swept through Mayotte over the weekend, has claimed at least 22 lives and injured 1,373 others, according to the latest tally from the French interior ministry. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has publicly warned, "This toll could rise. We all know this," hinting at fears the number of casualties may climb dramatically once search and rescue operations can fully commence, and the extent of the destruction is fully assessed.

Witnesses have described scenes of utter chaos and disarray, particularly in areas like Mamoudzou, the archipelago's capital. Rescuers continue to scour the wreckage for survivors, fearing many more lives could be lost beneath the debris of shantytowns devastated by the storm. Antoy Abdallah, who resides in Tsoundzou, highlighted the dire conditions, stating, "We're starting to run out of water. We're completely cut off from the world.”

On Tuesday, authorities instituted the curfew, which will be enforced from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM (1900 GMT to 0100 GMT). The measure aims to prevent looting, especially during the troubling hours of darkness when visibility is limited and lawlessness can thrive. Prime Minister Bayrou has assured the public of efforts to restore order and services, declaring progress has been made but acknowledging the gravity of the situation: "Our compatriots are living through the worst just a few thousand kilometers away, and I will be by their side… the priority today is water and food," President Emmanuel Macron stated as he announced plans to visit the territory shortly.

Cyclone Chido has been labeled one of the most powerful storms ever to strike this region; experts attribute its intensity to climate change impacts, particularly concerning the warmer-than-usual Indian Ocean waters. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau remarked on the catastrophe's seriousness, commenting on Mayotte’s status as "completely devastated,” with nearly 70 percent of its inhabitants affected by the cyclone’s aftermath.

With infrastructure compromised, health services have fallen apart. Essential utility services like electricity and mobile phone connectivity have been rendered nonfunctional. Bayrou mentioned earlier efforts have restored about 50 percent of the electricity network and 80 percent of the accessible roads, but the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen.

The challenges are myriad, especially concerning the water crisis. The government reported serious issues with water supply, and local residents spoke of running out of drinking water following the cyclone. “We’re starting to run out of water. There’s been no running water for five days,” shared Abdallah, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Health services remain critically compromised, with reports indicating only six out of twenty medical centers on the island are operational during this time.

Beneath this devastation lies another pressing concern: the counting of casualties. Many of Mayotte’s poorest reside in shantytowns, where flimsy sheet-metal homes could not hold against the cyclone's fury. Potentially hundreds of unidentified victims could remain beneath the debris, particularly undocumented migrants who often fear seeking shelter during disasters. Estelle Youssouffa, a local lawmaker, conveyed the challenge of accurately accounting for the victims, stating, "The real toll of those swept away by the mud, winds and tin from shanty towns will never be known.”

With at least 200 members of the Red Cross also reported missing, the local and international response is becoming increasingly urgent. Despite the pressuring situation, politicians are not immune from scrutiny; the short tenure of Prime Minister Bayrou has already drawn backlash for his presence during this crisis.

Criticism emerged when he opted to chair a provincial town meeting as Mayor of Pau rather than attending crisis briefings concerning the cyclone’s destruction. Yael Braun-Pivet, the speaker of the French National Assembly, remarked, “Instead of taking a plane for Pau, I think he should have taken a plane for Mamoudzou.” This sentiment highlights the frustrations of both citizens and officials who are directly impacted by the cyclone’s devastation.

Despite the challenges, aid is being mobilized; the French military is sending multiple flights daily carrying food, water, and medical supplies. This response reflects not only the government's immediate priorities but also the long-term recovery effort needed to rebuild and renew the island's infrastructure.

The situation remains fluid as rescue efforts continue, and the need for sustained support will be pivotal not just for recovery but also for future resilience against such climate-driven disasters. The humanitarian crisis on Mayotte exemplifies the broader vulnerabilities faced by certain regions amid changing climate patterns.

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