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Cyclone Chido’s Devastation Macron Visits Mayotte to Assess Damage

Thursday 19 December 2024 - 13:35

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French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Mayotte on Thursday to assess the extensive destruction caused by Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit the French territory in nearly a century. The cyclone left thousands struggling without basic necessities such as water, food, or electricity.

A Territory in Crisis

Upon his arrival, Macron was met with urgent appeals for help. “Mayotte is demolished,” an airport security agent reported, describing how children and families have been left without shelter or resources. Many are living in precarious conditions, exposed to the elements and desperate for emergency aid.

Cyclone Chido has left a catastrophic mark, with French authorities reporting at least 31 deaths and over 1,500 injuries, including more than 200 critical cases. However, many fear the true death toll could be significantly higher, given the widespread destruction and reports of collapsed homes.

Surveying the Damage

Macron took to the skies in a helicopter to get an aerial view of the devastation. He later visited Mamoudzou, Mayotte’s capital, to meet medical staff and patients at the local hospital before heading to a destroyed neighborhood to witness the aftermath firsthand.

For locals like Ahamadi Mohammed, the visit brings hope. “This is a good thing because he’ll see the damage for himself. I believe significant aid will follow to help the island recover,” he said.

Communities Hit Hard

The cyclone’s impact was especially severe in informal settlements on the outskirts of Mamoudzou, where many homes were destroyed. Residents, already facing economic challenges in France’s poorest territory, are now grappling with immense losses.

Nassirou Hamidouni, a father of five, shared the harrowing experience of losing his neighbor and his children when their house collapsed. Hamidouni’s own home was destroyed, and he is now focused on rebuilding with limited resources. “The reported death toll doesn’t reflect the reality of what we lived through. It was much worse,” he said.

Humanitarian Response Underway

In response to the crisis, a French navy ship arrived in Mayotte carrying 180 tons of aid, including essential supplies and equipment to assist with recovery efforts.

The destruction underscores the vulnerability of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean between mainland Africa and Madagascar. Many residents underestimated the severity of Cyclone Chido, leading to devastating consequences.

Macron’s visit brings attention to the urgent need for reconstruction and relief. As the island works to recover, the hope is that international and national support will help rebuild homes, restore essential services, and address the long-term needs of Mayotte’s residents.