Overview

• Cyclone Chido, the worst storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, has caused at least 35 deaths and injured around 2,500 people, with fears the toll could rise significantly.
• French President Emmanuel Macron declared a national day of mourning, with flags at half-mast and a minute of silence observed across France and its territories on December 23.
• Mayotte residents are grappling with critical shortages of water, electricity, and food, as emergency aid struggles to reach all affected areas nine days after the disaster.
• Tensions have risen between Mayotte locals and migrants, with accusations that limited resources are being diverted away from the island’s native population.
• Macron has promised a law to rebuild Mayotte and address its systemic challenges, including widespread poverty, informal settlements, and strained public services.