Island scrambles for drinking water after deadly Cyclone Chido

The Mayotte archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean has been reeling since Cyclone Chido struck Saturday with deadly force. Buildings toppled in winds topping 130 mph, the French Red Cross said in a news release. A total of 31 people died in hospitals and 45 others received emergency treatment for severe injuries, according to the French Ministry of the Interior. Nearly 1,400 others were treated for lesser injuries. But days later, the French territory’s main island struggled to provide drinking water, with many residents relying on handouts of bottled water.

How long until the taps work? As of Wednesday afternoon water service had been restored to about half of the population, according to the Mayotte prefecture’s website. The local government hoped to supply about three-fourths of its population by the end of the week. Those with water restored were still advised to boil water. Security curfews, gas rationing and other emergency orders remain in place, according to the prefecture. The phone network and electric grid are also heavily damaged.