Macron Arrives in Cyclone
French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Mayotte, bringing much-needed aid to the French Indian Ocean territory that was hit by Cyclone Chido. The powerful cyclone, referred to as the worst storm to have hit the archipelago in 90 years, has left a trail of destruction, claiming lives and displacing thousands of residents.
Immediate Relief Efforts
Landed in Mayotte on Thursday morning, Macron carried four tonnes of food and health supplies to help the island recover from the cyclone. So far, French officials have reported at least 31 deaths while thousands remain unaccounted for after the cyclone passed through destructively last Saturday. A state of exceptional natural disaster has been declared to fast-track emergency measures.
The French senator for Mayotte, Salama Ramia, added that food was particularly vital. "One or two shops have opened, but not everybody has money to buy food, and even the shops are beginning to be empty. The food for me is really urgent," Ramia told the BBC.
Ongoing Challenges
The cyclone has left tens of thousands without access to clean water. Health workers have expressed apprehension over the possible upsurge of infectious diseases due to a shortage in clean drinking water and rationing by shops. Restoration of water plants has now become paramount among the authorities.
Half of Mayotte still has no electricity, and the government has ordered a curfew forcing residents to stay indoors for six hours overnight to prevent looting. Emergency services are struggling to deliver food, water, and medical supplies as well as clear blocked roads and search for the missing.
Special Measures
The French government has declared a state of emergency, one especially designed for overseas territories like France. It allows mobilizing resources quickly and overrides all kinds of administrative obstacles to speed up relief work. Although valid for one month, it is extendable by two-month periods.
Faced with this exceptional situation, exceptional resources must be deployed to quickly restore vital services and to implement a sustainable reconstruction plan for Mayotte," said François-Noël Buffet, the minister in charge of overseas territories.
Long-Term Impacts
Among vulnerable communities, the impact has been worst in Mayotte. Being among the poorest parts of France, many residents live in shanty towns, particularly the 100,000 migrants who sought asylum in France, with many living in makeshift settlements flattened by the winds of the cyclone that had wind speeds of 225 km/h (140 mph).
Critics have blamed Macron's administration for years of underinvesting in Mayotte, leaving the region significantly unprepared for such disasters. As the government works to deliver emergency aid, there are concerns about long-term support and development for the island.
Regional Devastation
The destruction brought by Cyclone Chido extended as far inland as mainland Africa. The storm has taken at least 45 lives in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi, just a hint at the severity of this natural disaster. Satellite images show a Mayotte archipelago heavily damaged, with neighborhoods down to fields of rubble.
Looking Ahead
As Mayotte begins its process of reconstruction, attention remains firmly on restoring vital services and ensuring residents receive the desperately needed aid. Macron's visit signals France's commitment to support the territory, but the road to recovery will be very long and hard. The residents of Mayotte hope that this tragedy brings long overdue attention and investment in their island's infrastructure and development.