France marked its first national day of mourning for the victims of Cyclone Chido, which devastated the island of Mayotte, its poorest territory, just over a week ago. On December 25, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron led the country in this solemn remembrance, calling for solidarity and compassion for those affected by the disaster. Flags across French cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, were flown at half-mast to honor the deceased.
Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 14 with winds reaching up to 260 km/h (160 mph) and dumping over 250mm of rainfall within the first 24 hours. It has been termed the most destructive cyclone to strike Mayotte in 90 years, leaving at least 35 confirmed dead and around 2,500 injured, though the toll is expected to rise significantly as recovery efforts continue and reports come from remote areas.
The minute of silence observed nationwide was emblematic of France’s commitment to those suffering. Prime Minister François Bayrou remarked, "It is a commitment to rebuild Mayotte and to surround the people with support,” acknowledging the scale of the tragedy and the need for urgent assistance.
Estelle Youssouffa, a French MP for Mayotte, was vocal about the devastation, claiming, "90% of the island has been destroyed," and lamenting the lack of infrastructure support prior to the cyclone. Power and water supplies have been severely disrupted, and many survivors are still grappling with the loss of basic amenities.
Locals have recounted heart-wrenching stories of loss. One survivor, Zaharia Youssouf, reflected on her last conversations with her husband, who stayed behind when she took shelter. She expressed despair over not being able to reach him after the storm struck, sharing how their brief conversations shifted from concern to the mundane requests of daily life. The emotional weight of survivors, like Youssouf, speaks volumes about the immediate and lasting effects of the cyclone.
Macron's visit to Mayotte just days after the cyclone was met with mixed emotions. While he aimed to assess damages and pledge support, he faced backlash from residents who criticized the government's slow response to the disaster. Some locals even called for his resignation, reminding him, “I had nothing to do with the cyclone. You can blame me, but it wasn't me,” as Macron attempted to deflect the anger directed at him.
The brutal reality continues to unravel as more than 100,000 people remain displaced, seeking refuge. Many of these individuals are living without proper sanitation; hospitals on the island have reported being overwhelmed or destroyed. The National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management noted at least 94 fatalities linked to the cyclone beyond Mayotte, particularly in Mozambique, where Chido struck after wreaking havoc on the island. This broader humanitarian crisis only complicates recovery efforts for Mayotte.
Bayrou described the events as possibly the worst natural disaster faced by France in centuries, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the tragedy. On this national day of mourning, the collective grief was palpable, urging the French government to prioritize aid and recovery.
Despite the declarations of support, several residents feel neglected. Youssouffa pointedly criticized the government's focus on reshuffling cabinet positions at such a sensitive time, stating, "It’s disgraceful, contemptuous, and deeply mediocre. Nobody cares about Mayotte - it’s appalling!" Her sentiments echo the frustrations of many locals, who feel sidelined during their hour of need.
Overall, the national mourning day showcased not only France's acknowledgment of the tragedy but also the urgent need for effective leadership and aid distribution, ensuring the people of Mayotte are not left forgotten. With the scars of Cyclone Chido still fresh, there lies the promise of renewal, but it rests heavily on the shoulders of the French authorities, who must act decisively to aid their most vulnerable territory.
