In brief
Cyclone Chido has wreaked havoc on Mayotte, turning its lush landscape barren and resulting in significant loss of life and property. French President Emmanuel Macron's visit underscores the region's plight as the government faces scrutiny over its past neglect and challenges concerning illegal migration.
The destruction caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte is stark as the islands grapple with its aftermath. Upon landing on Petite-Terre, the devastation is obvious, with once-thriving rolling hills now appearing barren and lifeless. This French territory in the Indian Ocean faced the cyclone's wrath on Saturday, leading to widespread damage. Coconut trees have lost their leaves, with many felled overnight, while the airport's signal tower has been twisted by winds reaching 220 kilometers per hour.The situation has taken a toll on local residents, with officials reporting at least 31 deaths, and numerous individuals still unaccounted for. Authorities fear this number may escalate as recovery efforts continue. Mayotte, known as one of France's poorest territories, is struggling; a state of exceptional natural disaster has been declared, intensifying the urgency of aid in this region that is home to many informal settlements.President Emmanuel Macron arrived on Thursday, bringing food and health supplies to assist in recovery. However, as he traveled through the main island Grande-Terre, criticism arose regarding the government's neglect of Mayotte, especially amid a backdrop of rising turmoil in domestic politics and a heated debate over migration policies. Some critics argue that any substantial support for Mayotte could inadvertently attract more illegal migrants to the island.Meanwhile, residents are left waiting for essential resources. Challenges persist as torrential rains exacerbate the situation, flooding structurally compromised buildings. Over the course of the week, many inhabitants have been enduring shortages of food, water, and shelter.A state of emergency has been enacted for the territory, providing a framework to bypass bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate the response to this calamity. This emergency measure, slated for a month, may extend as necessary. François-Noël Buffet, the minister tasked with overseeing overseas territories, stressed the need for exceptional resources to expedite the restoration of vital services and sustainable recovery plans.Efforts are underway as emergency services work diligently to distribute food and water, repair damaged roads, and locate missing persons. There are also fears surrounding public health, with clean drinking water becoming scarce and shops imposing rationing on essential supplies. The authorities are prioritizing the restoration of impaired water treatment facilities, but half of the island remains without electricity.Following its destruction of Mayotte, Cyclone Chido advanced to impact mainland Africa, leading to further fatalities in Mozambique and Malawi.
