France observed a day of mourning on Monday for the victims of Cyclone Chido, which wrought devastation on Mayotte, its poorest overseas territory, just over a week ago. This cyclone was described as the most destructive event to strike Mayotte in 90 years, leaving the island grappling with extensive damage and human loss. The initial death toll has reached at least 35, with around 2,500 individuals reported injured, though actual figures are anticipated to be significantly higher due to the widespread destruction and precarious living conditions faced by many, especially among the large migrant population on the island.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the tragedy many families endured during the cyclone. For example, Zaharia Youssouf recounted her last conversation with her husband, Baco Houmadi. She sought refuge at a shelter, leaving Houmadi behind to care for their son. “I called him three times,” she shared through tears. “The first time I asked if he was OK. The second time he told me he and our son had eaten. The third call, I said, ‘Sweetie, can you cook for me, because there are bananas and fish at home?’ He said, ‘I’m not cooking for you.’ After I couldn’t reach him any longer, I lost him.” Tragically, Houmadi died during the cyclone, with his brother-in-law, Saandi Mbae, recalling their final moments together. “We were under the table, and the tin was blowing, and we couldn’t go out,” Mbae said. “At the start, we were talking, but then we couldn’t continue because he had a problem breathing. I looked at him again, and he really couldn’t breathe. Then I realized it was over — God would do what he would do.”
The cyclone hit Mayotte on December 14, causing significant disruption to water and electricity supplies, which it severed entirely. Thousands were displaced as homes were destroyed, leaving many struggling to rebuild their livelihoods. “At least I had a man in the house. Even if he didn’t work, he brought something home,” reflected Youssouf, grappling with the enormous loss and loss of security after the cyclone destroyed their home.
Cyclone Chido didn’t only impact Mayotte; it also left its mark on neighboring regions, particularly southeastern Africa. Reports indicate 94 fatalities were confirmed by the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management in Mozambique due to the storm. President Emmanuel Macron stood for a minute of silence at the Elysee Palace, affirming the French government's solidarity and stating, “The people of Mayotte are in the hearts of all French people.” He had made the residents of Mayotte feel valued during his visit just days after the cyclone.
Mayotte lawmaker Estelle Youssouffa expressed discontent over perceived neglect from the French government, indicating the situation was worsening under their watch. She particularly aimed criticism at newly appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou, who was under pressure to announce his cabinet. “The prime minister seems to be considering the announcement of a reshuffling of his cabinet on a national day of mourning,” Youssouffa said during her appearance on France Inter radio. “It’s disgraceful, contemptuous, and deeply mediocre. Nobody cares about Mayotte — it’s appalling!”
This observance marks the first time France has declared a national day of mourning for victims of a climate-related disaster since the country’s Fifth Republic was established in the 1950s. Previous national days of mourning have typically honored former French presidents or victims of terrorist attacks rather than victims of natural catastrophes. Considering the growing prevalence of severe weather events due to climate change, the world watches closely how governments respond both to humanitarian crises and policy requests arising from such incidents.
The scale of destruction and human grief brought by Cyclone Chido sheds light on the dire realities facing regions like Mayotte, burdened not only by geographical isolation but also by longstanding economic struggles. This national day of mourning aims to honor the victims and their families as discussions about effective disaster response and recovery plans take center stage amid increasing climate threats.
