Presidential visit to Mayotte: Emmanuel Macron faces the aftermath of Cyclone Chido

The President of the Republic, expected in Mamoudzou this Thursday, December 19, will make a brief visit to assess the extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Chido and to offer support to the victims. This one-day trip takes place in a context of urgency and national solidarity.

An island devastated by Cyclone Chido

Mayotte, the poorest department in France, was ravaged on Saturday by destructive winds. The provisional toll is heavy: 31 dead and more than 1,300 injured. Aerial images reveal a partially devastated island, with homes reduced to rubble.

Emmanuel Macron has brought four tons of food and sanitary supplies, along with rescue personnel who will remain on site to assist in relief operations.

A packed agenda in one day

Upon arrival, Emmanuel Macron will fly over the affected areas to assess the destruction. He will then visit Mamoudzou hospital, where many services, including the emergency department, are still non-operational, although 40 to 45% of hospital activity is gradually resuming.

• Aerial reconnaissance: Observation of the damage caused by the cyclone.
• Hospital visit: Meeting with healthcare workers and patients, followed by a briefing with those involved in the relief efforts.
• Meeting with victims and rescuers: The President will visit a destroyed neighborhood to engage with emergency teams and affected residents.

A stopover at Petite Terre, the island east of Mamoudzou, is also planned, as well as a visit to the Cavani neighborhood to discuss reconstruction efforts with local officials and associations.

An exceptional state response

Prior to this visit, the government activated the unprecedented “Calamity Natural Exceptionnelle,” a new measure designed to accelerate crisis management in overseas territories. Patrice Latron, Prefect of La Réunion, announced a civil maritime bridge to transport 200 containers, including millions of liters of water. These supplies are expected to arrive by Sunday.

“We are moving into the massive support phase for Mayotte,” declared the Prefect, while local authorities expressed relief that there is no anticipated shortage of bottled water thanks to these logistical efforts.

An international agenda after Mayotte

Emmanuel Macron will leave Mayotte on Friday for Djibouti, where he will share a Christmas meal with French military personnel stationed there. He will then continue his tour in neighboring Ethiopia.

This trip to Mayotte marks a critical step in addressing the urgent needs of its inhabitants, while demonstrating long-term support for the island’s recovery.