Drought and mismanagement have left a French island parched. That holds lessons for the mainland

Drop by disappearing drop, water is an ever more precious resource on Mayotte, the poorest place in the European Union. Diseases like cholera and typhoid are on the rebound, and the French army recently intervened to distribute water and quell tensions over supplies. Racha Mousdikoudine, a 38-year-old mother of two living in Labatoir, washes dishes with bottled water, when she can get it.