France holds its breath on this solemn day of national mourning following the devastating passage of Cyclone Chido over the French overseas department of Mayotte. France, united in compassion, pays tribute to the victims of this disaster of unprecedented magnitude that struck the most vulnerable island in French territory.
The tricolor flag flies at half-mast throughout the country, marking the beginning of a day of contemplation. At exactly 10 a.m., the country observes a minute of silence, a symbolic moment when words are superfluous in the face of the pain of the bereaved families.
President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by senior state dignitaries, bows to the victims at the Élysée Palace, while Prime Minister François Bayrou leads a poignant ceremony at the Hôtel de Matignon. These gestures of tribute reflect France’s commitment to solidarity and the reconstruction of Mayotte, a wounded but resilient land.
Cyclone Chido, the most devastating cyclone to hit Mayotte in almost a century, left death and desolation in its wake. With a provisional toll of 35 deaths and nearly 2,500 injured, the true human cost of this tragedy remains uncertain, given the widespread damage to infrastructure and the precarious living conditions of the inhabitants.
On December 14, Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte head-on, destroying homes, interrupting water and electricity supplies, and cutting communications. Rescue teams are working to restore basic services, but the magnitude of the damage makes the reconstruction phase particularly difficult.
This day of national mourning transcends the borders of Mayotte to touch the hearts of every French citizen. In this period of mourning and reconstruction, national and international solidarity is emerging as an essential pillar for the future of Mayotte, which will recover, thanks to the resilience of its people and the support of the international community.
Together, hands outstretched and eyes turned towards a horizon of hope, France is mobilizing so that light can pierce the darkness in the reconstruction of Mayotte, a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.