- French President Emmanuel Macron extended his stay in cyclone-hit Mayotte
- Local residents expressed anger over the devastation left by Cyclone Chido and the slow response to the crisis
- Rescue teams are racing to find survivors and deliver critical aid
- Death toll at 31 but warnings it could rise into the thousands
Macron Extends Visit to Mayotte Amid Local Unrest
French President Emmanuel Macron extended his stay in cyclone-hit Mayotte as residents voiced anger and despair over the extensive destruction left by Cyclone Chido.
“I decided to sleep here because I considered that given what the population is going through,” leaving the same day could have “installed the idea that we come, we look, we leave,” he told reporters late Thursday.
“It is a mark of respect, of consideration.”
During Macron’s initial visit on Thursday, locals jeered and expressed frustration, highlighting the slow response to the crisis. The cyclone struck the Indian Ocean archipelago five days ago, leaving a trail of devastation.
Rescue teams are racing to find survivors and deliver critical aid. Preliminary figures from France’s interior ministry report 31 deaths and 2,500 injuries in Mayotte. However, officials warn the death toll could climb into the hundreds or even thousands.
Cyclone Chido also claimed at least 73 lives in Mozambique.
As Macron inspected the destruction on the French overseas territory, locals shouted: “Macron resign,” “you’re talking nonsense,” “water, water, water”.
In response, Macron blurted out: “I’m not the cyclone. I’m not responsible.”