Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: Curfew Declared Amid Crisis

In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte with devastating force over the weekend, the French government has declared a curfew to maintain order as the island scrambles to provide food and water to affected residents. With initial death tolls reaching at least 22 and fears mounting for hundreds more, rescue efforts are hampered by the region's precarious living conditions, especially in areas populated by undocumented immigrants.

As of December 17, 2024, wind gusts exceeding 124 miles per hour have left significant destruction across the archipelago, which is known as France's poorest territory. Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila reported over 1,400 injuries, and the survey of an area devastated by the storm highlighted the substantial challenge of accurately counting casualties due to the population's undocumented status.

The established curfew will run from 10 PM to 4 AM as officials prioritize aid distribution while monitoring potential unrest. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, is expected to visit the region shortly, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing the crisis.

While many residents remain unreachable, authorities continue to work on mobilizing relief operations and in distributing essentials, including bottled water transported from Réunion island. As the situation unfolds, further assessments of damage and resources needed are in progress.