France's President Macron Surveys Cyclone Devastation In Mayotte

People queue for gas in Mamoudzou, in the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, after Cyclone Chido. (AP Photo/Adrienne Surprenant)

France's President Emmanuel Macron visited the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte to assess the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which caused widespread destruction across the French territory. Thousands of residents are struggling to cope without basic necessities such as water and electricity.

Upon arrival, Macron was informed by an airport security agent that Mayotte had been severely impacted by the cyclone. Families, including young children, are facing dire conditions with no access to water, food, or shelter.

The cyclone, the strongest in nearly a century, struck Mayotte last Saturday, leaving many homes destroyed and residents in urgent need of assistance. Macron conducted an aerial survey of the damage before visiting a hospital in the capital city of Mamoudzou to meet with medical staff and patients.

Thousands in Mayotte lack basic necessities like water and electricity post-cyclone.

President Macron visits Mayotte post-Cyclone Chido to assess destruction.

Cyclone Chido, strongest in a century, devastates Mayotte, leaving homes destroyed.

At least 31 dead, 1,500 injured in Mayotte post-cyclone; more casualties feared.

Residents in Mayotte face dire conditions, urgent need for emergency aid.

French government dispatches food, medical aid, and rescuers to cyclone-hit Mayotte.

Cyclone disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including residents of slum areas.

Mayotte, France's poorest territory, home to diverse population and migrants.

Survivors in Mayotte recount harrowing experiences, loss of loved ones and homes.

Cyclone's impact underscores vulnerability in Mayotte, calls for sustained support and recovery efforts.

Reports indicate that at least 31 people have died, with over 1,500 injured, and fears of additional casualties remain high. Macron acknowledged the challenges in reporting missing persons due to hasty burials and communication disruptions.

Residents expressed their desperation for emergency aid, emphasizing the urgent need for support to rebuild the devastated communities. Macron's visit was seen as an opportunity to witness the destruction firsthand and mobilize resources for recovery efforts.

The French government has dispatched food, medical aid, and additional rescuers to Mayotte, with a navy ship carrying 180 tons of aid scheduled to arrive soon. The cyclone disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, including residents of a large slum on the outskirts of Mamoudzou.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with some losing loved ones and homes in the disaster. The death toll is believed to be higher than official figures suggest, underscoring the severity of the cyclone's impact on Mayotte.

Mayotte, France's poorest territory, is home to a diverse population, including a significant number of migrants from neighboring countries. The territory's unique position in the Comoros archipelago has made it a focal point for migration from surrounding regions.

The cyclone's devastation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by communities in Mayotte and the urgent need for sustained support and recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters.