Chide in its Indian Ocean territory, Mayotte. The cyclone, that hit on 14 December, brought with it winds at a speed of up to 260 km/h, or 160 mph. The same storm also deposited 250 mm of rain within 24 hours in the area.
Recently, the island was visited by the president, Emmanuel Macron; the head of state declared that it is a nationwide mourning. The flags will wave half-mast in every French city: Paris, Marseille, Lyon, etc. It is a grieved nation about the people who died from this catastrophe.
A Catastrophic Toll
The storm has left the island its most destructive blow in the last 90 years. Shortages of water, electricity, and communication services inflicted destruction on the island whose numbers are at least 31, but authorities feel that the figure is significantly higher because many still unaccounted for are presumed missing.
Even before the tragedy, Mayotte was the most economically challenged territory France has ever had. Still, it finds it extremely hard to get back on its feet from the blows of Cyclone Chide, which pounded the island so badly that whole neighborhoods have turned into ruins with debris all around them.
The storm’s mayhem did not stop at the African mainland. At least 94 persons were confirmed dead in Mozambique, while 13 were reported in Malawi.
France Promises to Rebuild
In his visit, Macron promised to rebuild the infrastructure and houses of Mayotte. He flew over the area in a helicopter, saying that the experience was unforgettable and promising support for the island.
François Bayou, the French Prime Minister termed it one of the worst disasters to have occurred in France. Over 100,000 people are still in the Red Cross shelters while others continue to try and make life normal again.
Challenges and Resilience
Macron’s visit was greeted with thankfulness but also frustration. While some islanders appreciated the promises of aid, others were unsatisfied by the progress of relief works. He made himself low to criticism and, instead, emphasized his commitment to recovery.
Recovery for Mayotte would call for international as well as national concerted efforts. However, the unison shown in France in its support for this day of mourning underlines just how committed the nation feels about helping its territory under such a challenging situation.
