France observed a day of mourning on Monday for victims of Cyclone Chido, which devastated its poorest territory, Mayotte, over a week ago. The cyclone was the most destructive to hit the archipelago in 90 years, causing widespread damage to the island off Africa’s east coast and leaving at least 35 dead and around 2,500 injured. Locals said many victims had stayed home, not believing the storm would be so severe. Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte on 14 December, disrupting water and electricity supplies and severing communications, leaving thousands displaced and many struggling to rebuild. Chido also hit southeastern Africa, where the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management in Mozambique reported 94 fatalities.
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron stood for a minute of silence at the Elysee Palace. He visited Mayotte days after the cyclone and declared a national day of mourning for the victims. Macron wrote on Twitter that “the people of Mayotte are in the hearts of all French people” as the country came together to remember those who lost their lives in the disaster. However, Mayotte lawmaker Estelle Youssouffa accused the French government of neglecting the island, noting that newly appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou was under pressure to announce his cabinet on the same day as the national day of mourning. Youssouffa criticized the government’s lack of attention to Mayotte, calling it “disgraceful, contemptuous, and deeply mediocre.” This day of mourning marked the first time that France has observed a national day of mourning in response to a climate-related disaster since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in the 1950s. Previous days of mourning had mainly been for former French presidents or victims of terrorist attacks.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte highlights the vulnerability of this already marginalized territory. The island, located off the coast of Africa, is one of France’s poorest territories, and its residents face numerous challenges, including precarious living conditions and limited access to resources. The cyclone’s impact has exacerbated these issues, with many residents struggling to recover from the destruction and displacement caused by the storm. The high death toll and widespread injuries further underscore the severity of the disaster and the urgent need for assistance and support for the affected communities.
The response to Cyclone Chido in Mayotte has also raised questions about the French government’s handling of the crisis and its level of support for the territory. Lawmaker Estelle Youssouffa’s criticism of the government’s neglect of Mayotte reflects broader concerns about disparities in resources and assistance provided to French overseas territories. The government’s decision to announce a cabinet reshuffle on the same day as the national day of mourning for the cyclone victims has drawn criticism for its perceived insensitivity and lack of focus on addressing the needs of the affected communities. As Mayotte continues to recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, calls for greater attention and support from the French government are likely to persist.
The impact of Cyclone Chido extends beyond Mayotte, affecting other regions in southeastern Africa, including Mozambique, where numerous fatalities were reported. The cyclone’s destructive path underscores the interconnectedness of climate-related disasters and their devastating consequences for vulnerable communities. As the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events continue to rise, there is a growing imperative for coordinated international efforts to address climate change and enhance resilience to its impacts. The response to Cyclone Chido in Mayotte and its broader implications serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action and solidarity in the face of environmental challenges.
As France mourns the victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, the nation’s solidarity and support for the affected communities are evident. President Macron’s declaration of a national day of mourning and his visit to the devastated island underscore the government’s commitment to honoring the memory of those lost in the disaster and providing assistance to the survivors. However, the criticisms of the government’s response and the challenges faced by Mayotte in the aftermath of the cyclone point to the ongoing need for sustained attention and resources to address the island’s vulnerabilities and promote long-term recovery. The legacy of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte serves as a call to action for France and the international community to prioritize climate resilience and support the most marginalized and at-risk populations in the face of environmental threats.
