Mayotte, France’s poorest overseas department, remains in crisis as Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck the archipelago on Sunday, just weeks after Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc, leaving 39 dead, 5,000 injured, and 200 missing.
Despite France’s promises of support, the island’s residents accuse the government of systemic neglect, compounding the impact of repeated natural disasters.
Dikeledi brought heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding, forcing the prefecture to issue a red alert and order residents to stay indoors. The storm struck as Mayotte was still grappling with the aftermath of Chido, which destroyed infrastructure, including the international airport, and left many without shelter.
Thousands in precarious shantytowns around Mamoudzou remain especially vulnerable, as emergency preparations fall short of addressing the scale of the disaster.
The frustration of Mayotte’s population is palpable. French President Emmanuel Macron faced harsh criticism during his visit after Chido, as residents highlighted long-standing issues of neglect and inadequate investment.
The situation underscores France’s failure to prioritize its overseas territories, leaving Mayotte ill-equipped to withstand the escalating impact of climate change and extreme weather events.
