Cyclone Chido that hit French territory Mayotte a week ago, has damaged homes, hospitals, and infrastructure, forcing the medical staff at Mayotte’s main hospital in Mamoudzou to triage patients due to a lack of space and resources.
Dr. Roger Serhal, chief of obstetrics and gynaecology, said to the Associated Press that 40% of the hospital’s rooms were lost, resulting in a severe shortage of beds.
Hospital staff are working relentlessly, but their resources are stretched to a breaking point.
Doctors are also increasingly worried that the shortage of clean water and electricity, combined with overcrowded living conditions, could trigger a major health crisis.
According to the Associate Press, 109 patients have already been evacuated to mainland France for critical care. To manage the overwhelming demand, three advanced medical posts have also been set up on Grande-Terre, the main island of Mayotte.
Cyclone Chido hit with violent winds reaching up to 220 kph, tearing through the island and leaving widespread destruction.
Though the official death toll currently stands at 35, the French government warns that this is likely an undercount. Authorities estimate that the true number of casualties could be much higher, as many people, including migrants, avoided shelters due to fear of deportation, exacerbating the loss of life.
In addition to the casualties, thousands of others are injured, and the lack of clean water, food, and electricity is fuelling concerns over potential epidemics.
President Emmanuel Macron visited the island on Friday, acknowledging the severity of the crisis and pledging to help with rebuilding efforts.