On December 18, 2024, Mayotte, the small French archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, was declared to be in a state of "exceptional natural calamity" for the first time. This announcement followed the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, which struck the island on December 14, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake.
The declaration was made by François-Noël Buffet, the Minister of Overseas Territories, during a press conference. "Face à cette situation exceptionnelle, des moyens exceptionnels doivent être déployés pour rétablir rapidement les services vitaux et mettre en place un plan de reconstruction durable" ("Given this exceptional situation, exceptional means must be deployed to quickly restore the basic services and put together a sustainable reconstruction plan"), Buffet stated, aiming to signal the urgency of the recovery efforts.
Cyclone Chido has been reported as one of the most intense storms to hit Mayotte in the last ninety years, causing significant loss of life and injuries. The provisional death toll has reached 31, with over 1,000 individuals injured, severely stressing the local healthcare and infrastructure systems. Tragically, many residents suffer double tragedies, as the economic recovery will be hampered by alarming statistics indicating only 10% of properties are insured against such disasters.
Following the cyclone, the French government is implementing measures aimed at quickly restoring normalcy to the island. The newly activated "state of exceptional natural calamity" is part of the legislative framework created on February 21, 2022, which was intended to respond more effectively to natural disasters uniquely affecting French overseas territories. The legal committee allows for the suspension of certain administrative procedures and deadlines, enabling local authorities to act swiftly and effectively.
Additional support from the French government includes deploying military personnel and providing humanitarian aid resources. President Emmanuel Macron, who arrived on the archipelago on December 19, emphasized solidarity with the Mahorais population, stating "Pandza ata pandza urehema. Mahorais, on va se relever ensemble" ("We will rise again together, Mahorais"), showing governmental support and commitment to recovery efforts.
Authorities have outlined how this state of calamity will not preclude the declaration of "natural disaster." This different legal status allows residents with homeowners insurance to seek financial indemnity for damages incurred. The key difference is the quick administrative responses permitted under the calamity declaration, which hopes to allow for urgent repairs to damaged infrastructure, such as hospitals, water systems, and roads.
François Bayrou, the Prime Minister, little more than 24 hours after the cyclone, underscored the importance of this calamity state, stating, "La tragédie de Mayotte est probablement la catastrophe naturelle la plus grave de l’histoire de France depuis plusieurs siècles" ("The tragedy of Mayotte is perhaps the most significant natural disaster to hit France in centuries"). His remarks highlighted the crisis's gravity and emphasized how the new legal measures aim to mitigate the disaster's impact on institutions and civilians alike.
The international community is surprised by the cyclone's scale, with many calling for urgent reevaluation of either insurance policies or building regulations to protect the more vulnerable areas of the archipelago. The cyclone development, closely tied to higher sea temperatures resulting from climate change, highlights pressing global issues and the need for sustainable, adaptable measures to protect future generations.
After the cyclone, Mayotte’s residents face not only the recovery from the immediate impacts but also consideration of long-term sustainability and preparedness for future disasters. Too often, history has shown us this area is vulnerable to violent storms due to its geographical position.
With hopes pinned on the swift deployment of aid and rebuilding efforts, the community braces for what lies ahead. Authorities are committed to taking immediate action to restore public services, facilitate reconstruction, and provide support to those injured or displaced.
The state of exceptional natural calamity will last for one month but may be renewed for periods of up to two months as needed. At the end of the period, the government must report back to Parliament, providing clarity on the measures taken and the outcomes of the recovery efforts.
For Mayotte, getting back on its feet is more than just rebuilding homes; it's about finding ways to support the community's long-term resilience and adapting to face the inevitable challenges of climate change.
