Mayotte: Recovery operations ongoing islandwide following passage of cyclone /update 1

Recovery operations and disruptions caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido's recent passing are likely to persist in Mayotte through at least mid-December. As of early Dec. 16, officials have issued a yellow alert for the East and North lagoons. Officials are likely to issue new advisories in the coming hours and days. Updated advisories are available here.

• The storm killed at least 14 people and injured hundreds more. Officials are warning that over a thousand people may have died. The worst-affected locations are reportedly Koungou, Mamoudzou, and Petite-Terre. 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.

• Telecommunications and internet service have also been impacted. Communications, including with southern parts of the island, have been severely disrupted. Widespread power outages are ongoing.

• Sea ferry services are disrupted while widespread damage has been reported at the port of Mamoudzou. Only barges transporting emergency supplies are circulating.

• 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.

• 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.

• Hundreds of emergency workers and some French senior politicians are due to arrive in the country in the coming days to assess and assist in recovery operations.

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. Although a secondary concern, 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.