In Mayotte, more than ten days after the passage of Cyclone Chido, the first voluntary departures to the island of Anjouan began this Wednesday, December 25. Nearly 450 people left Mayotte for Anjouan aboard two boats. A large-scale humanitarian operation which concerns both Comorians and nationals of other nationalities. An initiative implemented by the prefecture of Mayotte.
2 mins
With our correspondent in Moroni, Abdallah Mzembada
Two boats from the SGTM shipping company Comoros provided the first crossings on Wednesday December 25. The Maria Galanta Express, which arrived in Anjouan late in the afternoon, carried 217 passengers, while the Citadelle docked an hour later with 219 people on board.
More than 10 days after the passage of Cyclone Chidothese departures from Mayottefree and open to all, mainly concerns Comorians, but also 23 foreigners, notably Malagasy, Senegalese and Gabonese. Men, women, children and even babies embarked on this journey.
Refugees from Mayotte supported in Mutsamudu
Upon arrival in Mutsamudu, a compulsory visit to health centers was planned for vaccinations against cholera and health measures, such as hand washing. Each passenger received a basic necessities kit including rice, water, canned tuna and soap powder, with additional supplies if needed.
In Moroni, no official reaction this December 25. The president of the crisis management committee, set up on December 23, is expected to speak to the press on Thursday, December 26 in the morning. Across the country, efforts are increasing to help those affected by Cyclone Chido. This week, boats loaded with food, chartered by the Comorian government, also left Anjouan for Mayotte to support the population.
Also readCyclone Chido in Mayotte: opening of a field hospital to accommodate “around a hundred patients per day”