On Monday, December 23, France observed a national day of mourning for the victims of Cyclone “Chido” in Mayotte, an overseas department of the country. A minute of silence was observed, and flags at government buildings nationwide were flown at half-mast.
The national mourning was declared by President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to the archipelago. “This is our sense of community in mourning, solidarity with those who are going through hardships, and a sense of devotion,” Prime Minister François Bayrou said after the minute of silence in the courtyard of the government building.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is stepping down, reported that 800 firefighters and 300 gendarmes have been involved in the rescue efforts, with tons of humanitarian aid continuing to arrive in Mayotte.
Journalists noted that the last time France declared national mourning was following the death of former President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing in 2020. Cyclone “Chido” hit Mayotte on December 14, causing widespread damage.
As of the evening of December 17, the official death toll stood at 22, with 1,373 people injured. However, local authorities have warned that the death toll could climb to several thousand.
