Mayotte schools to reopen, more than a month after devastating cyclone

The Paulette Henry Primary School in Mamoudzou, Mayotte, served as a food distribution centre soon after Chido hit the territory. A month later, schools are to reopen, with teachers going back on 20 January, and students a week later. © Patrick Meinhard/AFP

Five weeks after Mayotte was devastated by a cyclone, teachers and staff have headed back to school to prepare for the return of students next week. This comes as lawmakers in mainland France started debate on a bill that would accelerate reconstruction efforts in the Indian Ocean territory, but would not address the root problem of immigration.

Teachers and administrative staff went back to school in Mayotte on Monday, a week later than anticipated, because of the threat from cyclone Dikeledi that swept through last week.