France to observe mourning for Mayotte victims of Cyclone Chido

France is set to have a national day of mourning after Cyclone Chido devastated the Indian Ocean region of Mayotte earlier this month.

French President Emmanuel Macron called for a national recall during his visit to the island last week – drawing criticism from some on the island who criticized the slow pace of aid.

Hundreds, possibly thousands, are believed to have died when Chido made landfall on the southeast coast of Africa on December 14, bringing winds of up to 260 km/h (160mph) and 250mm of rain in the first 24 hours.

People across France will pay tribute and flags will be flown at half-mast in a show of solidarity in cities including Paris, Marseille and Lyon.

More than a week after the storm, survivors are struggling without water, communication and electricity while rescuers are trying to provide the necessary assistance.

The city of Mayotte, located between Africa and Madagascar, was already the poorest country in France before the storm hit.

Chido – the deadliest typhoon to hit the islands in 90 years – devastated areas where people live in shacks with metal roofs and fields of dirt and debris.

At least 31 people are said to be French officials, but the death toll is expected to rise as thousands remain missing.

Mayotte after the hurricane in Africa, 94 people have been killed in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi.

Macron promised to rebuild the island’s damaged buildings and homes after his visit.

After the visit in the helicopter’s area to check for damagehe said that Thursday is a day he will never forget.

He was on a trip he called and was met with calls to quit from local people who wanted more help in the devastated areas.

Macron responded by telling the community: “I had nothing to do with the storm. You can blame me, but it wasn’t me.”

Prime Minister François Bayrou said the disaster in Mayotte is probably the worst natural disaster in the past centuries in the history of France.

More than 100,000 people remain in Red Cross camps after their homes were destroyed.