In brief
In a poignant tribute, President Emmanuel Macron led a nationwide moment of silence today, honoring the victims of Cyclone Chido that wreaked havoc in Mayotte earlier this month.
France has declared a day of mourning after Cyclone Chido devastated the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, with President Emmanuel Macron leading the somber tribute. Speaking just days after visiting the island, where he was met with criticism for the slow response to aid, Macron called for national remembrance. With initial estimates suggesting that hundreds or even thousands may have perished when Chido struck on December 14, the storm has wreaked unprecedented destruction, marked by winds exceeding 260 km/h (160 mph) and extreme rainfall.French Prime Minister François Bayrou reinforced the symbolism of the minute of silence, emphasizing a collective commitment to support the affected population, vowing to contribute to rebuilding Mayotte. Flags across major French cities, including Paris and Lyon, flew at half-mast as a sign of grief and solidarity.On Mayotte, survivors are still grappling with the aftermath of the storm, facing challenges such as lack of access to water, electricity, and healthcare, as the region's sole hospital was severely damaged. According to local politician Estelle Youssouffa, nearly 90% of the island has been devastated. French officials have reported at least 31 fatalities, but many believe the figure may rise sharply, with countless individuals still unaccounted for.The storm also had a severe impact on neighboring regions, with reports confirming multiple casualties in Mozambique and Malawi. In response to the disaster, Macron has pledged swift action to restore Mayotte, following discussions with community members, even as he faced backlash regarding the government's response. The Prime Minister characterized the cyclone's impact as potentially the most serious natural disaster in France's history, with over 100,000 individuals currently seeking refuge in Red Cross shelters.
