So far, 14 people have been confirmed dead, but Cyclone Chido devastated slums as it battered the French overseas territory of Mayotte.
The cyclone had wind gusts of up to 55 meters per second according to french meteorologists and destroyed residential houses and public buildings. Many roads are impassable because trees have fallen.
– I definitely believe there are several hundred dead, perhaps closer to a thousand or more, says François-Xavier Bieuville, the leader of the local government on the island, to local radio.
The French Ministry of the Interior states that it will be very challenging to get an accurate count of the dead and that it is currently impossible to provide any estimate.
Hospital partially destroyed
Local authorities described the situation on Sunday as chaotic. Among other things,the hospital on the main island is partially destroyed,as are power and water supply and interaction lines.
Aerial photos show how hundreds of shacks and simple houses in a slum area on a hillside have been reduced to rubble.
Many illegal immigrants
About 320,000 people live on the two islands that make up Mayotte, which is the poorest of the French overseas territories.Many of the inhabitants are of European descent.
According to French authorities, there are also up to 100,000 undocumented immigrants in Mayotte. A large number of them are illegal immigrants from Comoros who have come to Mayotte, which has a higher standard of living and access to French welfare services. the vast majority of them live in slum areas.
planes with aid have landed
France has sent several planes loaded with aid to Mayotte, and the first planes landed on Sunday afternoon. Though, the control tower at the airport is out of service due to the cyclone, and only military planes can land.
Mayotte is located in the Indian Ocean, midway between Mozambique and the northern end of Madagascar. On Sunday, the cyclone had hit Mozambique.
How can international organizations aid in the recovery efforts following Cyclone Chido?
Interview with François-Xavier Bieuville: The impact of Cyclone Chido on Mayotte
Time.news Editor (TNE): thank you, François-Xavier Bieuville, for joining us today. The recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in mayotte has shocked many. Can you provide us with an overview of the current situation on the island?
François-xavier Bieuville (BXB): Thank you for having me. As of now, we unfortunatly confirm 14 fatalities, but I believe the total could be in the several hundred, potentially close to a thousand.The cyclone brought extreme wind gusts of up to 55 meters per second, leading to widespread destruction. Many areas, especially the slums, have been considerably affected, with residential houses and public buildings reduced to rubble.
TNE: That sounds catastrophic.Can you elaborate on the challenges facing local authorities in this crisis?
BXB: Certainly. The situation is chaotic. The main hospital has been partially destroyed,which complicates our medical response. Additionally,essential services like power and water supply have been disrupted,and many roads remain impassable due to fallen trees. This makes it incredibly difficult to carry out rescue and recovery operations.
TNE: The socio-economic landscape of Mayotte is unique, especially with a significant number of undocumented immigrants. How has this cyclone affected this vulnerable population?
BXB: Yes, Mayotte is home to around 320,000 people, including about 100,000 undocumented immigrants, primarily from Comoros. Many of these individuals reside in slum areas that have been hardest hit. The aftermath of the cyclone poses significant risks to their safety and access to basic necessities. We are concerned about their health and well-being during this crisis.
TNE: With the substantial influx of aid from France, how is the local government managing these efforts, especially under the hindered conditions impacted by the cyclone?
BXB: France has acted quickly, sending several planes loaded with aid, which began arriving on Sunday. However, with the control tower at the airport out of service, only military planes can land. We’re coordinating efforts to ensure that aid gets distributed effectively and reaches those who need it the most, despite the logistical challenges we’re facing.
TNE: What long-term implications do you foresee for Mayotte as it recovers from Cyclone Chido?
BXB: The recovery will be a long and difficult process. Economically, this cyclone could set back our advancement significantly, especially given that Mayotte is the poorest of the French overseas territories. Beyond rebuilding infrastructure, we will need to address the socio-economic disparities exacerbated by this disaster and ensure that all residents, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to essential services during and after the recovery phase.
TNE: What practical advice can you offer our readers who may want to help those affected by Cyclone Chido?
BXB: Ther are several ways to contribute. Financial donations to reputable organizations working on the ground can provide immediate assistance for victims. Additionally, raising awareness and advocating for long-term support from governmental and non-governmental organizations can make a significant difference. Collective efforts can aid in both urgent relief and rebuilding initiatives.
TNE: Thank you, François-Xavier Bieuville, for shedding light on the dire situation in Mayotte and sharing yoru insights on the aftermath of Cyclone Chido.
BXB: Thank you for having me. It’s significant that we continue to support and raise awareness about Mayotte and its residents’ needs during this challenging time.