Cyclone Chido in Mayotte: A powerful reminder of the need to rethink the management of this territory
The recent tragedy that struck Mayotte with the devastating passage of Cyclone Chido has highlighted the vulnerability of this archipelago and the urgent need to rethink the way in which this territory is managed. The poignant images of rescue workers desperately searching for survivors among the rubble of shanty towns bear witness to the extent of the damage and the precariousness in which a significant part of the Mayotte population lives.
As head of emergencies at the Fondation de France, Karine Meaux rightly emphasizes the importance of a thorough reflection on crisis prevention and management policies in Mayotte. Indeed, Cyclone Chido has highlighted the flaws in the current system and the need to strengthen infrastructure and warning systems to better protect the island’s inhabitants against natural disasters.
It is essential that local and national authorities learn the lessons from this tragedy to put in place effective disaster prevention and response measures. Investing in building safe and resilient housing, strengthening early warning systems and improving relief coordination are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Mayotte.
Cyclone Chido must be an electroshock that prompts decision-makers to fundamentally rethink the management of this territory, taking into account local realities and the specific challenges facing the island. It is time to put in place ambitious and sustainable policies that will strengthen Mayotte’s resilience to climate hazards and ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all its inhabitants.
In conclusion, the passage of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte is a tragedy that reminds us of the urgency of rethinking the way this territory is managed. It is an opportunity to put in place more effective and inclusive policies to protect the population and preserve the environment. It is time to act with determination and solidarity to build a better future for Mayotte and its inhabitants.