French Prime Minister François Bayrou arrived in Mayotte on Monday to unveil a comprehensive recovery plan for the Indian Ocean territory, three weeks after Cyclone Chido left widespread devastation in its wake.
Bayrou, recently appointed to his position, updated the official death toll to 39 but cautioned that the final figure could range from “a few dozen to a few hundred.”
His estimate follows earlier warnings from Mayotte’s prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, who had suggested the death toll could potentially reach “several hundred or even a few thousand.”
The prime minister’s visit comes after French President Emmanuel Macron’s earlier trip to the island, amid growing frustration among Mayotte residents who accuse the French government of long-standing neglect.
Bayrou announced that a draft emergency law aimed at rebuilding Mayotte within two years would be presented to parliament in January. He also confirmed an agreement with local authorities to ban the reconstruction of informal settlements, many of which were destroyed by the cyclone. These settlements, home to numerous migrants from nearby African nations, were particularly vulnerable to the storm’s destruction.
As part of the recovery efforts, Bayrou outlined plans to restore electricity to all households by late January, supported by 200 workers and emergency generators. Water production is expected to return to pre-cyclone levels by January 6, with upgrades to the distribution network targeted for mid-2025.
To enhance emergency communication, 200 Starlink antennas will also be deployed.
The cyclone caused significant damage to the education sector, with many schools destroyed.
Bayrou announced that classes would resume on January 13, with special arrangements for exam students.
Authorities are also considering temporary schooling options in mainland France.
Cyclone Chido’s devastation extended beyond Mayotte, with Mozambique reporting 94 fatalities and Malawi’s presidential office confirming 13 deaths.
