Authorities in Mayotte are urgently working to provide food, water, and medical aid to residents affected by the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, which struck the French overseas territory over the weekend. The cyclone, which hit with winds exceeding 200 kph (124 mph), has left a trail of destruction across the island archipelago.

As of Tuesday, at least 22 people have been confirmed dead and over 1,400 injured, with officials fearing the true death toll could rise significantly. Many areas remain inaccessible, and some victims were buried before their deaths could be officially counted. Local authorities are racing against time to prevent hunger, disease, and lawlessness from spreading.

"The priority today is water and food," said Ambdilwahedou Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, the island's capital. "There are people who have unfortunately died, and the bodies are starting to decompose, which could create serious sanitary problems." The mayor also expressed concerns over a lack of electricity, which has allowed some individuals to exploit the chaotic situation during the night.

The French government has dispatched 20 tonnes of food and water, with more expected to arrive by air and sea. It is estimated that 50% of the island's water supply will be restored within two days, and 95% will be back within the week. A curfew has been imposed, running from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. local time, to help restore order.

Cyclone Chido, which has been described as the strongest storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, also caused significant destruction in neighboring countries, killing at least 15 people in Mozambique and seven in Malawi.

Meanwhile, local lawmaker Estelle Youssouffa noted an eerie silence in the aftermath, with even the Muslim call to prayer unable to be heard from damaged mosques. French President Emmanuel Macron, following an emergency cabinet meeting, announced plans to visit the island in the coming days.

**Tensions Over Immigration Intensify**

Mayotte has long struggled with unrest related to illegal immigration and poverty. Over a third of the island’s population, estimated at 321,000, is believed to be undocumented migrants, mainly from nearby Comoros and Madagascar. The issue of illegal immigration has been a source of tension, with local residents increasingly frustrated by rising costs and a lack of resources.

In the aftermath of the cyclone, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau emphasized the need to address the "migration question," stating that many undocumented migrants did not seek refuge in designated shelters, possibly due to fears of arrest. The minister's comments sparked backlash, with critics accusing the government of neglecting the island and prioritizing immigration concerns over disaster relief efforts.

Left-wing politicians, including Melanie Vogel of the Europe Ecology party, sharply criticized the government, highlighting the role of climate change in the devastating storm. "A cyclone, fueled by climate change, struck an abandoned French territory. Hundreds, even thousands, of deaths are expected," Vogel wrote in response to Retailleau's comments.

The French government's handling of the disaster has also drawn criticism from other political figures. Yael Braun-Privert, president of the National Assembly, expressed dismay at Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's decision to attend a municipal council meeting in Pau rather than visiting Mayotte. "I would have indeed preferred that the prime minister, instead of taking a plane to Pau, took a plane to Mamoudzou," she said.

As rescue efforts continue, the people of Mayotte remain in dire need of assistance, with authorities facing an uphill battle to restore basic services and prevent further loss of life.