Cyclone Devastates Mayotte, Residents Vent Anger at President Macron’s Visit
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his visit to cyclone-devastated Mayotte on Friday, after angry residents vented their exasperation and despair over the scale of the disaster. Locals jeered and shouted their grievances during Macron’s visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago, five days after Cyclone Chido left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Macron Stays Overnight to Show Respect
Macron decided to sleep in Mayotte after considering that leaving the same day could have "installed the idea that we come, we look, we leave," he told reporters late Thursday. "It is a mark of respect, of consideration."
Emergency Efforts Continue
Emergency teams are still working at full pace, searching for survivors and supplying desperately-needed aid. A preliminary toll from France’s interior ministry shows that 31 people have been confirmed killed and 2,500 injured. However, officials say that, realistically, a final death toll of hundreds or even thousands is likely. Chido also killed at least 73 people in Mozambique, on the African mainland.
Residents Air Grievances
As Macron inspected the destruction on the French overseas territory, local people were quick to air their grievances. "Macron resign," "you’re talking nonsense," "water, water, water," young people and mothers shouted at him on Thursday evening. Macron finally blurted out: "I’m not the cyclone. I’m not responsible."
Hospital Staff Expressed Frustration
During his visit to the Mamoudzou hospital centre, one woman told him: "Nobody feels safe here… people are fighting over water." And as Macron talked with hospital workers, one staff member said under her breath: "Two more days and we won’t be able to feed the patients anymore. I’m disgusted."
Looting and Rebuilding Efforts
One man in the group called the president’s attention to looting, saying thieves could easily enter houses that had had their roofs blown off, despite a nightly curfew. "Mister President, we fear that this is becoming like Haiti," he said in a reference to the poverty-stricken, crime-ridden Caribbean country that has been in a state of emergency since March.
Macron later said that they aimed to have supplied all parts of the archipelago with food and water by Sunday at the latest. He also announced that France would rebuild schools, homes, and hospitals and crack down on illegal immigration.
Government Response
Macron’s visit came after Paris declared "exceptional natural disaster" measures for Mayotte late on Wednesday. Located near Madagascar off the coast of southeastern Africa, Mayotte is France’s poorest region.
Rebuilding Efforts
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou set an ambitious target of rebuilding the island in "two years" through a "superhuman" effort. In response to widespread shortages, the government issued a decree freezing the prices of consumer goods in the archipelago at their pre-cyclone levels.
Climate Change Connection
Meteorologists say Cyclone Chido, which hit Mayotte on Saturday, was the latest in a string of storms worldwide fuelled by climate change. An estimated one-third of Mayotte’s population lived in shantytowns whose flimsy, sheet metal-roofed homes offered scant protection from the storm.
Assessing the Toll
Assessing the toll is further complicated by illegal immigration into Mayotte, especially from the Comoros islands to the north, which means that much of the population is unregistered. While Mayotte officially has 320,000 inhabitants, the authorities estimate the actual figure is between 100,000 and 200,000 higher when taking into account undocumented migrants.
Conclusion
The tragedy of Mayotte is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change. As the world grapples with the consequences of rising temperatures, it is essential to prioritize disaster relief and rebuilding efforts, as well as address the root causes of poverty and illegal immigration.
FAQs
Q: How many people have been confirmed killed in the cyclone?
A: 31 people have been confirmed killed in the cyclone.
Q: How many people are injured?
A: 2,500 people are injured.
Q: How many people are estimated to be living in shantytowns?
A: An estimated one-third of Mayotte’s population, or around 100,000-200,000 people, live in shantytowns.
Q: What is the official population of Mayotte?
A: The official population of Mayotte is 320,000 inhabitants.