PARIS — France observed a national day of mourning on Monday to honor those affected by Cyclone Chido, which severely impacted Mayotte, the nation’s poorest territory, just over a week ago.
This cyclone, the most devastating seen in Mayotte in nearly a century, wreaked havoc on the island located off the eastern coast of Africa. So far, at least 35 individuals have been confirmed dead, while approximately 2,500 others suffered injuries.
Authorities fear the toll is likely much graver due to the extensive destruction, the dire living situations faced by a large migrant population, and the local customs of burying the deceased within 24 hours according to Muslim traditions.
Residents reported that many victims chose to remain in their homes, underestimating the storm’s potential severity.
In a neighborhood close to the capital, Zaharia Youssouf recounted her last interaction with her husband, Baco Houmadi. While she took refuge in a shelter, Houmadi opted to stay behind alongside their son due to his heart condition.
“I called him three times,” she shared. “Initially, I wanted to check on him. The second call, he mentioned that he and our son had eaten. On the third call, I asked if he could prepare a meal for me since there were bananas and fish available at home. He replied, ‘I’m not cooking for you.’ That was the last time I could reach him.”
Houmadi’s brother-in-law, Saandi Mbae, was present during his final moments. “We took cover under a table, and as the tin sheets flew about, we remained stuck indoors,” shared Mbae. “We initially talked, but he soon struggled to catch his breath. As I looked at him, it became clear that he was fighting for air. I realized it was the end — that God would take over.”
Cyclone Chido made landfall on December 14, disabling water and electricity supply and cutting off communication across the region, displacing thousands who now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives.
“I at least had a partner in the house. Even though he wasn’t employed, he contributed in some way,” lamented Youssouf. “Now, the house is in ruins, and if he were here, he could fix it.”
Additionally, Cyclone Chido also affected southeastern Africa, with reports from Mozambique stating that 94 fatalities had occurred there, according to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management.
In Paris, President Emmanuel Macron observed a minute of silence at the Elysee Palace. He made a visit to Mayotte shortly after the cyclone passed. In a statement, Macron emphasized, “The people of Mayotte are in the hearts of all French people,” via social media.
Mayotte’s lawmaker, Estelle Youssouffa, criticized the French government for what she described as neglect toward the island. She noted that newly appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou was under pressure to unveil his cabinet.
“It appears the prime minister is considering cabinet reshuffling on a national day of mourning,” Youssouffa stated during a radio interview. “It’s disgraceful, shows contempt, and is exceedingly mediocre. No one seems to care about Mayotte — it’s shameful!”
This marks the first national day of mourning in France dedicated to the aftermath of a climate-driven disaster since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in the 1950s. Previous commemorative days have generally mourned former French leaders or victims of terrorist violence.
