The French President, Emmanuel Macron, visited the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte this week to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Chido. The cyclone, described as one of the most powerful in nearly a century, left thousands without basic necessities like water, food, and electricity. With a rising death toll and widespread destruction, the community is struggling to recover. During his visit, Macron promised additional aid and support, including the establishment of a field hospital and the arrival of more caregivers. However, many residents expressed frustration over the slow response and the urgent need for immediate assistance.

Macron’s presence was met with mixed reactions from locals. While some saw it as an opportunity for the government to provide much-needed help, others felt that resources could have been better spent on direct aid rather than a presidential visit. The cyclone has exposed the vulnerability of Mayotte, France's poorest territory, where many residents live in precarious conditions, especially in the slums. The storm's impact has been compounded by the rapid influx of migrants from neighboring islands, further straining already limited resources.

Assessing the Aftermath: A Community in Crisis

The cyclone's wrath left Mayotte in ruins, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Homes were destroyed, leaving families without shelter or basic necessities. Many residents, particularly those in the slums, are now living in makeshift shelters, struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones and property. The lack of access to clean water and medical care has exacerbated the situation, with some people going days without proper hydration. The psychological toll on the community is immense, as survivors grapple with the trauma of losing everything.

The cyclone struck on Saturday, tearing through the island with unprecedented force. Assane Haloi, an airport security agent, described the devastation to Macron during his visit. Her family, along with countless others, found themselves displaced and without essential services. “We can’t even shelter; we are all wet with our children covering themselves with whatever we have so that we can sleep,” she said, emphasizing the dire need for emergency aid. The cyclone's impact was felt most acutely in the slums, where flimsy structures offered little protection against the storm's fury. Residents like Nassirou Hamidouni, who lost both his home and neighbors to the cyclone, are now working tirelessly to rebuild while mourning the dead.

Promises of Aid Amid Uncertainty

President Macron’s visit brought promises of relief, but the reality on the ground remains grim. He pledged the establishment of a field hospital and the arrival of additional caregivers to address the growing health crisis. The president also assured residents that phone services would be restored soon, allowing people to report missing loved ones. However, the immediate need for food, water, and shelter continues to overshadow these long-term solutions. Some residents, like Abdou Houmadou, expressed skepticism about the value of Macron’s presence, arguing that resources should have been directed toward immediate aid instead.

Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. A navy ship arrived with 180 tons of aid and equipment, providing much-needed supplies to the affected areas. Macron’s visit also highlighted the plight of Mayotte, bringing international attention to the island’s struggles. For many, the president’s presence symbolized a commitment to rebuilding the island, even if the process will be long and difficult. As the community begins to recover, the focus remains on ensuring that no one is left behind in the reconstruction efforts. The cyclone has exposed deep-rooted issues in Mayotte, from inadequate infrastructure to the strain caused by migration, making it clear that recovery will require not just physical rebuilding but also addressing systemic challenges.