Mayotte: Authorities implement islandwide curfew from Dec. 17 amid recovery operations following passage of cyclone /update 2

Officials have imposed a 22:00-04:00 curfew islandwide effective Dec. 17 following the passage of Tropical Cyclone Chido; the duration of the curfew is unclear. While most advisories have been lifted, officials are maintaining a safeguarding alert amid recovery operations and advised residents to limit travel and avoid areas close to waterways. The latest communiques published by authorities can be found here and meteorological updates here. As of writing, severe disruptions persist across Mayotte, and officials have warned of a growing threat of health diseases and food shortages, and are advising to drink bottled water or to check tap water is safe to drink.

• The latest official toll indicates that the storm killed at least 21 people and injured 1418 more, but officials are warning that over a thousand people may have died. The casualty figure will likely increase as communications are reinstated and rescue operations continue.

• Informal settlements have been particularly severely impacted with widespread damage to residential structures.

• Disruptions to phone and internet services and power outages persist in some areas.

• Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport (DZA) sustained damage, including to its control tower, and remains closed until further notice. Emergency flights are operating to bring in critical aid and personnel.

• Roads have also been damaged and ground transport remains disrupted.

• Sea ferry services are disrupted while widespread damage has been reported at various ports, including Mamoudzou. Only barges transporting emergency supplies are circulating.

• Medical services are also limited as the central hospital suffered significant damage. Authorities are setting up mobile medical services, but access may be disrupted due to poor road conditions.

Normal operations and services are likely to take several days to recover following the impact of the storm. Increased demand for flights once the airport resumes operations is likely. Road travel disruptions are also likely to persist until officials remove debris and reconnect isolated parts of the island with primary centers. The threat of disease outbreaks cannot be discounted in the coming days and weeks. Backflow from drains that have mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.