France activates a state of exceptional natural disaster in Mayotte after Hurricane Chido

François-Noel Bouvay, French Minister of Overseas Affairs, announced the activation of the state of “exceptional natural disaster” on the island of Mayotte, in order to accelerate the management of the crisis and facilitate the implementation of urgent measures to deal with the damage caused by the devastating Hurricane Chido that struck the island.

He said that in the face of this exceptional situation, exceptional means must be deployed to quickly restore vital services and develop a sustainable reconstruction plan for Mayotte.

This measure was developed specifically to meet the unique needs of overseas regions, and is the first of its kind, to strengthen the ability of local and national authorities to respond quickly to crises by easing some administrative procedures, ensuring more effective action for the benefit of the people of Mayotte.

Activation extends for an initial period of one month, with the possibility of renewal for additional periods of two months depending on developments in the situation.

Bovai stressed that all resources must be mobilized to help our citizens and accompany them during this ordeal, noting that the implementation of a curfew on the island has begun to ensure security and prevent looting following the devastating hurricane “Shido.”

As the provisional death toll rose to 31 dead, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he would travel to the archipelago on a plane carrying four tons of aid and a rescue team.