Nearly a week after Cyclone Chido devastated the French island of Mayotte, many streets have reopened, but a grim question remains unanswered: exactly how many people died in the storm. Despite efforts by President Emmanuel Macron and local officials to provide an official toll, the true extent of the disaster is still unclear.
Initial reports suggested that up to 60,000 people may have perished, with some estimates as high as 19% of the island’s population. However, these claims were later disputed by the French government, with President Macron stating there was “nothing to corroborate” them. The official death toll currently stands at 35.
Resident Bilal Ousseini, who works at the busiest mosque in Mamoudzou, doubts that thousands of people died. He cited a lack of crowds seeking medical attention and no scenes of public mourning as evidence that the death toll may be lower than expected.
However, other residents are more skeptical. Soumaili Soifouane, an informal trader, believes that many dead bodies may still be hidden in the rubble of the shantytowns that were flattened by the storm. He noted that the island’s undocumented migrants often avoid seeking medical attention for fear of being arrested and deported.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the death toll, local officials are urging caution as they work to identify potential survivors trapped under the wreckage. Mayor Ambdilwahedou Soumaila warned that search teams may not find any survivors in areas with widespread destruction.
The lack of transparency and communication from the French authorities has left many residents frustrated. Anli Daoud, who organizes funerals for the mosque, reported that only four bodies had been received so far. He attributed this to a lack of outreach by local officials, who are still waiting for support from Paris before entering communities.
As aid efforts continue at a sluggish pace, residents worry about the potential spread of diseases and the long-term recovery of the island. With many villages still isolated and awaiting government assistance, it remains unclear how the death toll will be officially verified.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/20/world/africa/cyclone-chido-death-toll-mayotte.html