A tragic cyclone hit France's poorest territory
19 December 2024
France's poorest territory is in complete devastation since tropical cyclone Chido first hit on 14 December. While this disaster stems from a climate issue, the situation is more complex. The island, an overseas French department near Madagascar, is the only one in the Comoros archipelago that did not opt for independence in 1973, following French colonisation in the 19th century.
Mayotte suffers from extreme poverty – 29% of households have no access to running water – combined with significant climate challenges, such as last summer's severe drought, which the French state failed to adequately address. The island also faces substantial immigration pressures from the Comoros islands, which the French authorities have forcefully and controversially tackled.
Mayotte's infrastructure is ill-equipped for the island's vulnerable climate and socio-economic conditions, further exacerbating the tragic consequences.
 | Juliette Ovigneur This disaster completely destroyed the island, including the capital city. Some of the wealthiest inhabitants survived by sheltering in solid concrete houses, but about 75% of the population, who live below the national poverty line, were hit very disproportionately. While Mayotte suffers the most from feeling neglected by mainland France, this sentiment is shared by many French overseas departments. Martinique, part of the French Caribbean, has been striking for months, protesting high living costs. |
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