Mayotte struggles to recover a month after devastating cyclone Chido
A month after cyclone Chido unleashed devastation across Mayotte, the archipelago continues to contend with extensive damage and a sluggish recovery process, particularly in the northern regions of the Indian Ocean territory. On Wednesday, an emergency bill designed to speed up reconstruction efforts was approved in the French lower house of parliament.
As cleanup operations continue across the Indian Ocean archipelago, it is clear that no area has been spared the devastation.
"The island was hit particularly hard this time; the damage is clear," said Aramadi Salim, a driver in the capital, Mamoudzou, speaking to RFI.
Amidst the wrecked vegetation and debris-strewn roads, Salim noted some progress: "Things are starting to improve. We spent a week without electricity or water, searching for water wherever we could. Now that the power has been restored, life is getting better."
However, Salim’s return to work is far from easy. "Just getting fuel means waiting in line for hours," he said.
The situation in Mamoudzou is improving, but in the northern part of the archipelago, which bore the brunt of the cyclone, it's much more complicated.
"The boat is my livelihood. Without it, I can’t work," says a fisherman, standing near a bay where most of the boats have capsized.
"We’re practically cut off from Mamoudzou, even when it comes to information."
‘Slums already up’
In Mayotte, information is just as critical as water and food.
In some areas, contact with authorities and insurers remains impossible, fuelling frustration.
Read more on RFI English
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