The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left the residents of Mayotte grappling with immense devastation. On December 19, five days after the cyclone struck, French President Emmanuel Macron visited the island, which is France's poorest overseas territory. Trying to assess the damage and hear the pleas of the locals, Macron faced both gratitude and frustration during his tour.
Many gathered outside the airport as Macron arrived, urging him to help the stricken community. Some even booed his motorcade, expressing their anger and despair. "Take your time. Stay with us. Give us solutions," pleaded Assane Haloi, an airport security worker, highlighting the urgent need for more aid.
Since Cyclone Chido’s landfall on December 14, official reports confirmed 31 fatalities. Yet, reports from local lawmakers suggest the number could reach thousands, leading some to fear the storm has triggered one of the worst natural disasters France has faced. "Some victims were buried immediately, and this complicated the death toll assessment," noted Estelle Youssoufa, Deputy representing Mayotte.
The impact of the cyclone has crippled many neighborhoods, with residents struggling for access to basic necessities like clean water and food. Macron promised to dispatch more resources quickly, including additional gendarmes to maintain security, referencing the plight of those living below the poverty line. "We all have to get together. From the first day, people mobilized day and night. We must not divide ourselves," he declared, as he affirmed his commitment to support the reconstruction efforts.
During his conversations with locals, poignant questions emerged. “Mr. President, nobody feels safe here,” said one woman at the Mamoudzou hospital. Echoing these sentiments, another resident expressed serious concerns about the risk of looting, saying, “People are fighting over water.” Macron replied with promises to deliver immediate aid and steady recovery efforts, vowing to combat illegal immigration, which has complicated the region’s demographic statistics.
Many families are returning to what remains of their homes—if anything is left. “When we got here, it was all devastated, nothing was standing,” recalled El-Yassine Ibrahim, describing the initial chaos following the cyclone. With three-quarters of Mayotte's population living below the national poverty line, the devastation hits hard, especially since many depend entirely on external support from metropolitan France.
Concerns about water supply are rampant. Zalahta M'Madi, 44, decried the broken water pipes across the island, stating, "There is no more water. We need it to do the housework, to cook, to wash, to bathe. We buy it from stores instead." The overwhelming majority of residents feel the government's relief response has been inadequate, prompting them to voice their grievances during Macron's visit.
Several of the island’s infrastructures, including the Mamoudzou hospital, suffered severe damage, rendering it difficult for medics to provide care. Certain areas remain inaccessible, complicative rescue efforts. Macron’s aircraft transported “20 doctors, nurses, and civil security personnel, along with four tons of food and sanitary supplies” to address these urgent needs.
Reflecting on the widespread destruction, Macron asserted, “We will do it to rebuild Mayotte,” promising to push through legislation to expedite reconstruction similar to efforts made after the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire. He also announced December 23 would be observed as a national day of mourning—a direct acknowledgment of the storm’s tragic impacts.
The international community's support is being sought, with the French government activating the EU’s civil protection mechanism, aiding efforts for recovery. Following Cyclone Chido, it's feared the repercussions on the predominantly vulnerable population could last for years, especially as health workers brace for potential disease outbreaks due to the dead bodies left uncollected from the storm.
Residents await the promised aid, but many are skeptical of how swiftly it will arrive. “Nobody tells us when water will be back,” said M'Madi. The potential death toll forecasts alongside the disarray have led locals to cry out for assistance, hoping their cries are finally heard by those with power.
Macron’s visit was marked by mixed reactions, embodying despair and hope among Mayotte's residents following the catastrophic cyclone. It emphasizes the dire need for immediate assistance, long-term commitment, and reconstruction to restore the lives of those affected.
