French Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls reaffirmed the government’s commitment to aiding Mayotte as the island continues to grapple with the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido.
Addressing the French National Assembly’s Committee on Economic Affairs, Valls described the cyclone as “the greatest civil security crisis our country has known since World War II,” acknowledging the ongoing challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage.
Mayotte, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, was severely impacted by Cyclone Chido last month, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
The French government has declared a state of calamity and implemented immediate measures, including the provision of emergency aid, price caps on essential goods, and efforts to restore essential services like electricity and water supply.
Valls announced that a special decree will be issued to provide exceptional financial aid to Mayotte, covering the months of December 2024 and January 2025.
The government is also implementing an emergency bill to facilitate rapid rebuilding efforts, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and supporting the affected population.
Addressing the issue of illegal immigration, which poses significant challenges to Mayotte, Valls emphasized the need for stricter border controls and measures to combat illegal housing.
“We will not let Mayotte become a shantytown again,” he declared.