France held a national day of mourning on December 23, 2024, to honor the victims of Cyclone Chido, which ravaged Mayotte, the country’s poorest overseas territory, just over a week earlier. The cyclone, noted for being the most destructive storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, struck on December 14, leaving at least 35 confirmed dead, thousands injured, and widespread destruction across the island.
During the observance, French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, led the populace at the Elysee Palace where flags were flown at half-mast. A minute of silence was observed at the palace to commemorate the lives lost and express solidarity with the individuals impacted by cyclone’s devastation. "The people of Mayotte are in the hearts of all French people," Macron expressed on social media, reinforcing the sentiment of national mourning.
Many residents of Mayotte faced harrowing losses, including families torn apart by the cyclone’s force. Locals shared heart-wrenching narratives of their experiences, such as Zaharia Youssouf, who reflected on her last moments with her husband, stating, “I called him three times… the third call, I said, ‘Sweetie, can you cook for me...?’ After which, I couldn’t reach him.” This haunting recollection highlights the personal toll of the disaster, as shifting communication lines amid the cyclone added to the chaos.
Prime Minister François Bayrou, who was appointed just days before the tragedy, acknowledged the challenges faced by Mayotte during his remarks. "This minute of silence signifies the need to rebuild Mayotte and to make sure its people feel supported by the nation as a whole," he said, recognizing the heavy burden of loss felt by the community.
Despite the day’s solemnity, the government faced scrutiny for the slow pace of recovery efforts. Critics, including Mayotte lawmaker Estelle Youssouffa, voiced anger and disappointment over perceived neglect. Youssouffa publicly accused the French government of not prioritizing the territory’s needs, questioning the timing of Bayrou's expected cabinet announcement—a reshuffle suggested on the day of national mourning. “It’s disgraceful, contemptuous, and deeply mediocre. Nobody cares about Mayotte - it’s appalling!” she said during an interview, adding to the growing frustrations of residents who are still reeling from the cyclone's impact.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has highlighted existing vulnerabilities on the island. Many locals live precariously, with basic infrastructure often failing to meet needs, leaving communities exposed to such climatic disasters. Reports indicate the actual death toll may be significantly higher than the government’s official count, with locals fearing many bodies were buried quickly following local customs without proper identification due to the storm's chaos.
Across Mayotte, which is situated between Madagascar and Mozambique and is around 8,000 kilometers from mainland France, residents are confronting immense challenges as they navigate recovery. The cyclone not only disrupted water and electricity supplies but also severed communications and displaced numerous families. Ongoing efforts to restore these services are strained as emergency crews work to rebuild amid debris and destruction.
International responses have varied as neighboring nations such as Mozambique also grappled with the cyclone’s consequences. Reports indicated 94 fatalities were associated with Cyclone Chido across the region, illustrating the broader impact of this natural disaster on multiple countries.
Looking forward, the French government has promised support for the reconstruction of Mayotte. Bayrou asserted his expectations of introducing special legislation early next year to address the rebuilding efforts necessary for reestablishing normalcy within the territory. Yet, for many, the plight and challenges faced during and after the cyclone have raised existential questions about the long-standing infrastructure and humanitarian needs of Mayotte.
With the national day of mourning serving as both remembrance and rallying point, France is now urged to prioritize measures and commitments needed to genuinely support Mayotte’s recovery. The events on December 23 highlighted not just collective grief but also the responsibility of the national government to respond adequately to the concerns of all its territories, recognizing their unique challenges, especially following disasters of such magnitude.
