Cyclone-hit Mayotte struggles to recover amid food and water shortages
Ten days after Cyclone Chido struck the French overseas territory of Mayotte, the archipelago is struggling to recover from ongoing shortages as authorities announce the closure of temporary shelters on 31 December.
A field hospital on a football pitch – close to the only hospital, in its capital Mamoudzou, which was severely damaged by the cyclone – began treating patients on Tuesday, 24 December.
Erected by firefighters from mainland France in 72 hours, the temporary structure is fully equipped and has its own energy and water sources. Doctors and nurses working there say they have been treating a large number of infections.
Rising death toll
Some 4,200 people were injured in the storm, according to the latest statement from the French Interior Ministry. The official death toll has risen from 35 to 39, although authorities say the final figure may be much higher.
"The mission of identifying the victims of the cyclone continues, working with mayors and organisations,” the prefecture said in a statement earlier this week.
Many of the deceased may have been buried quickly, without being officially counted, and others are thought to have been undocumented migrants.
Read more on RFI English
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