Cyclone Chido Devastates Mayotte: Relief Efforts and Political Fallout Intensify

Cyclone Chido's destruction of Mayotte has left many dead and shantytowns devastated. With the death toll unclear, relief efforts are underway. The cyclone has heightened political tensions over immigration and France's response. Authorities are striving to provide aid and alleviate the crisis while facing significant criticism.

Cyclone Chido has wrought unprecedented destruction across the French territory of Mayotte, with the exact death toll still unknown. Local officials warn that hundreds or even thousands may have perished as undocumented migrant communities and shantytowns lay in ruins.

France's acting Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, expressed grave concerns over the potential loss of life, highlighting difficulties in counting casualties due to immediate burials in line with Muslim customs. The challenging relief operations continue amid Mayotte's population ambiguity, with official figures potentially understating the actual number of residents.

Emergency aid, including 120 tonnes of food supplies, is being distributed as French authorities scramble to control the situation. Political discourse around the cyclone has intensified, with opposition critiquing the government's preparedness and response, as well as highlighting the region's socio-economic challenges exacerbated by climate-linked natural disasters.

(With inputs from agencies.)