Cyclone Chido has left a deadly trail of devastation in France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte with the Interministerial Crisis Management Operational Centre (COGIC) reporting at least 20 deaths and over 830 injuries since Saturday.
France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou described the situation as “a tragedy of poverty and desolation” for the archipelago.
During a parliamentary session, Bayrou highlighted the gradual progress in restoring essential services. Half of the island’s hospital capacity is back online, and two of the six water treatment plants have resumed operations.
Electricity is functional at 50%, with hopes of reaching 75% by the end of the week. Meanwhile, 80% of the road network is accessible, as clearing efforts continue.
Bayrou underscored the importance of reconstruction, announcing plans to develop affordable, prefabricated housing to quickly provide shelter for displaced residents. He also noted the potential mobilization of European funds and national solidarity to support rebuilding efforts.
“The health system is seriously affected, and access to care has been seriously degraded,” outgoing French Health Minister Genevieve Darrieussecq said on Sunday.