MayotteDesk, Delhi Magazine – French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday, the 19th, his firm intention to rebuild Mayotte, a French archipelago in the Indian Ocean, following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido. Macron assured the arrival of water and food supplies before Sunday night, while promising swift action to address the region’s severe infrastructural damage.
Cyclone Chido, the most intense storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, ravaged the island on Saturday, the 14th, with winds exceeding 220 km/h. According to provisional figures, the cyclone has left 31 people dead and 1,373 injured. Authorities, however, fear that the toll could rise significantly in this impoverished region where approximately one-third of the population lives in precarious housing, much of which has been completely destroyed.
Macron emphasized the urgency of reconstruction efforts, calling for changes in “competences” and “rules” to accelerate the rebuilding process. He specifically highlighted plans for restoring essential infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and housing, while strengthening the fight against illegal immigration.
“We want these favelas to disappear in the long term,” Macron declared, underscoring his vision for sustainable development and improved living conditions in the region.
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In response to the widespread devastation, France has declared a state of “exceptional natural disaster.” This declaration aims to expedite emergency measures, including the creation of a compensation fund for uninsured individuals who have suffered losses.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the European Union’s civil protection mechanism has been activated to provide additional support for relief efforts in Mayotte. This mechanism is expected to bolster aid and recovery work, ensuring immediate assistance to those in need.
Macron’s pledge reflects France’s commitment to rebuilding the island and addressing the long-standing socio-economic challenges faced by its residents. The French government is prioritizing both immediate relief and long-term solutions to ensure Mayotte’s resilience against future disasters.