Despair and Hope: Macron Visits Destruction in Mayotte

In the wake of the devastation left by Cyclone Chido on Mayotte, calls for support are intensifying. President Emmanuel Macron traveled to the French overseas territory this week, where desperate residents urged him to stay longer and implement immediate relief measures. While some welcomed his visit with applause, others expressed their displeasure loudly. Officially, 31 deaths have been confirmed so far, but the actual number could be significantly higher. Lawmakers reported mass graves to the President, which, however, could not be independently verified. Many areas remain inaccessible due to heavy rains and destroyed infrastructure. Residents whose homes have been razed to the ground face existential challenges. The government has announced additional gendarmes to ensure order and intensified the delivery of food and water by air and sea. Macron emphasized the necessity of unity and joint action and promised more assistance in the coming days. The unclear number of casualties, the challenging supply of drinking water, and the fear of disease outbreaks are major concerns for the authorities. There is great uncertainty on Mayotte, as many pipes are damaged, and water sources have dried up. The water supply is the main concern. In other African countries also affected by the cyclone, the death toll stands at 45 in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi.