French prime minister promises recovery plan after cyclone ravages Mayotte

Mayotte, an impoverished French territory in the Indian Ocean, faced catastrophic destruction after Cyclone Chido hit on December 14. The storm resulted in the death of at least 39 people, with officials cautioning that the final toll could be much higher. In the aftermath, emergency shelters were established, accommodating thousands of displaced residents. However, on December 30, the Mayor of Mamoudzou announced the impending closure of these shelters to facilitate the resumption of school sessions, bringing uncertainty to many families who had lost their homes. Prime Minister François Bayrou, alongside a ministerial delegation, visited Mayotte to unveil a comprehensive recovery plan three weeks post-cyclone, aiming to stabilize infrastructure and restore essential services. Bayrou's recovery plan targets restoring electricity by the end of January and increasing water production to pre-cyclone levels shortly thereafter. Additionally, he proposed a draft emergency law to facilitate rebuilding efforts within two years. In light of the additional challenges posed by extensive destruction, the plan also includes banning the rebuilding of informal settlements, which had been heavily impacted by the cyclone. Education remains a pressing concern, with many schools destroyed, and plans aim to resume classes by January 13, prioritizing students preparing for exams. Bayrou's visit emphasized the French government's commitment to prioritizing Mayotte's future, pledging that the reconstruction efforts would focus on changing the territory for the better.