On December 20, 2024, President Emmanuel Macron concluded a two-day visit to Mayotte, where he held a crisis meeting with ministers via videoconference.

During his visit, Macron announced a national day of mourning for December 23, 2024, in response to the devastation caused by cyclone Chido, which has resulted in at least 35 confirmed deaths in Mayotte.

The cyclone Chido has also severely impacted Mozambique, leading to at least 73 fatalities and underscoring the widespread devastation caused by the storm.

In the wake of the disaster, nearly 800 military personnel are currently deployed in Mayotte, with more expected to arrive to assist with recovery efforts.

The European Union has pledged emergency aid, which includes temporary housing and hygiene kits for the victims of the cyclone in Mayotte.

Efforts to provide relief are underway, with 80 tons of food and 50 tons of water already distributed across nine communes in Mayotte, and additional supplies planned for the remaining areas.

Macron has assured that all households will be reconnected to the water supply by December 21, 2024, although full distribution may take longer.

To help manage the crisis, the prefect of Mayotte will have the authority to regulate prices for essential goods, including bottled water and food items.

In a bid to support economic recovery, the French government has suspended the collection of social security contributions and taxes for businesses affected by the cyclone.

Additionally, the French government will allow partial activity for employees affected by the cyclone, similar to measures taken during the COVID-19 crisis.

However, Macron's comments during his visit have drawn criticism from political opponents, particularly his assertion that Mahorans would be '10,000 times worse off' without France.