On December 14, Cyclone Chido swept across the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, inflicting unprecedented devastation on the island, marking it as the worst storm to strike the region in 90 years. The aftermath of this natural disaster has left the French government grappling with both the humanitarian crisis and public outcry over their response.
With the storm causing extensive damage, authorities report at least 35 confirmed deaths and around 2,500 injuries. Nevertheless, local estimates suggest the death toll could rise dramatically due to the hastiness of burials following local customs, which often dictate interring the deceased within 24 hours. President Emmanuel Macron declared a national day of mourning on December 18, during which flags flew at half-mast nationwide and a minute of silence was observed at the Elysee Palace. Macron emphasized, "The people of Mayotte are in the hearts of all French people," underlining the tragedy's impact on national consciousness.
The cyclone wrecked major infrastructure on Mayotte, which is already facing problems such as insufficient clean water and electricity supplies. Reports describe the chaos during and after the cyclone, with locals unprepared for the severity of the storm. Many stayed home, believing the forecasts were exaggerated, and were unfortunately caught off guard.
The response from the French authorities has been met with mixed reactions. While Prime Minister François Bayrou reassured the country of their commitment to support the victims, stating, "This minute of silence signifies the need to rebuild Mayotte and ... feel supported by the nation as a whole," local politicians criticized the government for its inadequate preparedness and slow relief efforts.
Estelle Youssouffa, a lawmaker from Mayotte, voiced her frustration on France Inter, saying, "It’s disgraceful, contemptuous, and deeply mediocre. Nobody cares about Mayotte — it’s appalling!” She lamented what she perceives as long-standing neglect by the French government, which has overlooked the island's infrastructural needs for years.
Beyond local sentiment, Belgium has stepped up, providing emergency humanitarian assistance by dispatching 717 family tents and 4,200 hygiene kits to Mayotte, acting through the Belgian Federal Agency for the Reception of asylum seekers (B-FAST). Belgium's Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin expressed solidarity with France and the beleaguered island population, assuring aid will help establish necessary shelter and hygiene for survivors. "Our thoughts go out to the people who are suffering the consequences of this tragedy from afar or close by," he remarked.
Despite these gestures of goodwill from the international community, frustrations persist among Mayotte residents concerning the slow arrival of aid. Reports indicate many were angered during President Macron's recent visit, feeling his administration has failed to respond quickly enough. With the situation dire, they called for tangible action rather than symbolic gestures of mourning.
The cyclone also left its mark beyond Mayotte. Reports from Mozambique indicated 94 fatalities, underscoring the widespread devastation inflicted by Chido across the southeastern African region. The simultaneous disasters put additional strain on regional relief efforts.
The response to Cyclone Chido has drawn attention to the pressing challenges faced by Mayotte. Long regarded as France's poorest overseas territory, the island's infrastructure deficiencies came sharply to light during this crisis. Many citizens hope this tragedy can serve as a catalyst for real change, urging the government to prioritize improvements.
Looking forward, French authorities plan to introduce special laws for Mayotte’s rescue and reconstruction by early January, as outlined by François-Noel Buffet, the acting minister of overseas territories. The government's ability to act on these plans could determine the island's recovery from this devastating incident.
This tragic chapter for Mayotte will not soon be forgotten, as national mourning marks a pivotal moment for both the affected citizens and the greater French society. Whether this becomes the turning point for prioritizing Mayotte's needs remains to be seen, but for the time being, the hearts and minds of the nation are focused on healing and rebuilding.
