Mayotte Struggles to Recover as Cyclone Chido Overwhelms Hospitals and Infrastructure

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Mayotte, a French overseas department, is currently grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which struck the island on December 14, 2024. The cyclone, with wind speeds exceeding 200 km/h, has caused devastating damage, including the destruction of entire neighborhoods and significant infrastructure loss. The cyclone has led to at least 22 deaths, 830 injuries, and the displacement of around 100,000 people.

The healthcare system in Mayotte has been severely impacted. The main hospital in Mamoudzou has lost 40% of its patient rooms, translating to about 50 to 60 beds. This loss of capacity has forced the hospital to operate at only 50% of its usual capacity, exacerbating the crisis as it struggles to cope with the influx of patients requiring urgent care. As a result, 109 patients have been evacuated to mainland France for treatment.

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The response to the cyclone has been met with frustration from the local population, who feel neglected and underinvested by the French government. This sentiment was evident during French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to the island, where he faced crowds expressing their anger and discontent. The locals argue that the government has not done enough to protect them from extreme weather events, highlighting the broader issue of climate change vulnerability.

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Efforts are underway to provide emergency aid and support. The French Red Cross and other organizations are mobilizing resources to assist those affected. However, the scale of the destruction and the ongoing challenges in healthcare and infrastructure recovery indicate a prolonged recovery period for Mayotte.