PARIS — French Prime Minister François Bayrou made a visit to the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on Monday to present a recovery strategy, three weeks after Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in the area.
During his visit, Bayrou updated the reported death toll to 39 but cautioned that the final figure may vary significantly, estimating that it could be anywhere from “a few dozen to a few hundred” lives lost.
In the aftermath of the cyclone, Mayotte’s prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, had previously indicated that the death toll might reach “several hundred or even a few thousand.”
Bayrou’s trip comes on the heels of a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, as some residents of Mayotte expressed feelings of abandonment by the French government over the years. In response, the prime minister announced a draft emergency law aimed at reconstructing Mayotte within a two-year timeframe, which is set to be presented to parliament in January.
He also revealed that local officials have decided to prohibit the rebuilding of informal settlements, many of which were occupied by unknown numbers of migrants from various African nations seeking to move to Europe. Numerous makeshift structures were destroyed by the cyclone.
Bayrou elaborated on plans to restore electricity across all homes by the end of January, backed by the deployment of 200 workers and temporary emergency generators. Additionally, he stated that water production should reach pre-cyclone levels by January 6, with enhancements to the distribution network expected to be finished by mid-2025.
Further assistance includes the installation of 200 Starlink antennas to facilitate emergency communication.
Education has also been heavily impacted, with many schools damaged beyond repair. Classes are planned to resume on January 13, with particular arrangements for students facing exams. The option for temporary schooling in mainland France is also being considered.
Meanwhile, on the African continent, Mozambique has reported that 94 fatalities have been confirmed as a result of Cyclone Chido, according to the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management. In Malawi, the presidential office reported an increase in deaths, now totaling 13.
