Mayotte joined France in solemn reflection Monday as the nation observed a day of mourning for the victims of Cyclone Chido, which devastated the island earlier this month.
Flags flew at half-staff across Mayotte and mainland France, while a nationwide minute of silence at 10 a.m. GMT honored those lost in the catastrophe. President Emmanuel Macron led the tribute at the Élysée Palace, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, as the poignant strains of “The Last Post” resonated.
In Mayotte, local leaders and residents held their own moments of remembrance, deeply aware of the cyclone’s lasting impact. Prime Minister François Bayrou, speaking after a similar observance at Hôtel de Matignon, reaffirmed France’s commitment to aiding Mayotte’s recovery. He emphasized the importance of international solidarity, stating, “This tribute is also a pledge to ensure the global community supports the rebuilding of Mayotte.”
Cyclone Chido, the most destructive storm to strike Mayotte in nine decades, claimed at least 35 lives and injured over 2,500 people. The true scale of the tragedy remains unclear, with damage to infrastructure and the island’s already vulnerable communities complicating assessments.
The storm, which struck on December 14, obliterated homes, cut off water and electricity supplies, and severed communication lines. Emergency response teams continue to work tirelessly to restore basic services, but the sheer extent of the devastation poses ongoing challenges.
For Mayotte, the day of mourning was not only a tribute to those who perished but also a rallying cry for resilience as the island faces the long road to recovery.