Cyclone Chido's Aftermath: A Territory in Turmoil

Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, leaving an unclear death toll with entire shantytowns flattened. Relief operations are underway amidst challenges of undocumented immigration. The cyclone also caused fatalities in Mozambique and Malawi. Criticism of French neglect and issues of immigration and unrest underline the socio-political climate in Mayotte.

Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, a French overseas territory, leaving the exact death toll uncertain. Shantytowns are obliterated and regions remain inaccessible, escalating fears of a high number of casualties.

Interim Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed concerns over the potential gravity of the situation. With a curfew imposed to counteract lawlessness, relief efforts are intensifying despite the unpredictability of the population size due to undocumented immigration.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit the area as criticism mounts over governmental neglect. Opposition figures also point to illegal immigration as a factor contributing to the territory's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)