French President Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism for his handling of the cyclone-battered French overseas territory of Mayotte, where residents are struggling to cope with widespread destruction and a lack of support from Paris.
Macron visited Mayotte last week, but his comments were met with jeers from locals who are without water or electricity. The opposition claims that France has neglected the archipelago and failed to prepare for natural disasters linked to climate change.
The cyclone, which ripped through Mayotte last weekend, flattened neighborhoods, knocked out electrical grids, crushed hospitals and schools, and damaged the airport’s control tower. Macron acknowledged the severity of the situation but did not address the underlying issues of poverty and lack of support.
Residents have expressed frustration with the government’s response, saying they feel abandoned in the aftermath of the disaster. “The water isn’t there, no services are there,” one resident angrily asked Macron on Thursday.
Macron has promised to send additional support to Mayotte soon, but critics argue that it is too little, too late. The cyclone’s impact highlights the deepening migration crisis and poverty in Mayotte, which struggles with unemployment, violence, and a lack of resources.
The government has confirmed 31 deaths and over 1,300 injuries, but the death toll could still rise significantly. Authorities are focused on bringing survivors to safety, but many residents are left wondering when they will see real support from Paris.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/20/europe/macron-cyclone-mayotte-french-swear/index.html