Paris: French Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls reaffirmed on Monday his commitment to aiding Mayotte as the island grapples with the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. Addressing the French National Assembly's Committee on Economic Affairs, Valls called the cyclone 'the greatest civil security crisis our country has known since World War II' and acknowledged the ongoing challenges in assessing its full impact.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mayotte, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, was just starting to recover from the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido last month. The cyclone, which hit on December 14, claimed at least 39 lives, left over 200 people missing, and injured more than 5,000. Valls assured transparency regarding the human toll, stating, 'We will provide all the figures; we have absolutely nothing to hide,' while also expressing uncertainty about ever knowing the exact number.
As Mayotte faced the challenge of last month's cyclone, another Cyclone Dikeledi hit Madagascar with heavy rains and winds over the weekend, causing additional damage in Mayotte and resulting in fatalities. By Monday, Cyclone Dikeledi had reached Mozambique, bringing heavy rains expected to impact several provinces.
The French government has declared a state of calamity and implemented immediate measures to support Mayotte. Valls announced plans to issue a decree granting exceptional financial aid to the island in response to Cyclone Chido's severe impact. The aid is set to cover December 2024 and January 2025, potentially reaching up to £20,000 (approximately $20,392) in emergency funds, along with price caps on essential goods and efforts to restore services.
Valls highlighted progress in restoring electricity, with over 80% of power back online, but noted that the water supply remains a significant challenge. Plans to construct a second desalination plant are among the key priorities in the recovery effort. The reopening of administrative services is scheduled for next week, and students are set to return to classrooms on January 27, although only 70% of educational facilities are expected to be operational. Waste management and public health remain critical concerns, with access to healthcare and ongoing outreach programs aimed at mitigating health risks.
An emergency bill has been introduced to facilitate rapid rebuilding and assist affected populations, allowing for urgent measures to facilitate housing and repair damaged infrastructure. In addition to immediate recovery efforts, Valls announced a second bill focusing on structural reforms to be presented in two months, with a key component being the fight against illegal immigration and its impact on Mayotte.
Valls emphasized the need for stricter border control measures and targeted action against illegal housing, alongside enhanced detection technologies and new maritime surveillance systems to combat illegal activities. Urging lawmakers to remain united in their efforts, Valls concluded by highlighting the global attention on Mayotte and the imperative not to abandon the territory in its time of need.