Getty ImagesFrance is observing a national day of mourning after Cyclone Chitot devastated the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte earlier this month.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for national commemorations when he visited the island last week, but during his visit he was jeered by some islanders who criticized the slow delivery of aid.
Chido made landfall on the southeastern coast of Africa on December 14, bringing winds of up to 260 km/h (160 mph) and 250 mm of rainfall in the first 24 hours. It was expected to kill hundreds or even thousands of people. .
Flags will be flown at half-mast in cities such as Paris, Marseille and Lyon, and people across France will express their condolences.
More than a week after the storm, survivors are struggling without water, communications and electricity while rescuers try to deliver much-needed aid.
Mayotte, located between the African continent and Madagascar, was already the poorest region in France before the hurricane hit.
Chido, the islands’ worst storm in 90 years, leveled areas where people lived in shacks with sheet metal roofs and left a trail of mud and debris.
French officials have reported at least 31 deaths but expect the death toll to be higher, with thousands still missing.
After Mayotte storm hits the African continent, At least 94 people died in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi.
Macron pledged to rebuild damaged infrastructure and homes on the island after his visit.
After visiting Take a helicopter ride to see the devastation firsthandhe said Thursday was a day he would never forget.
During his visit, he Heckled and faced calls to resign Locals are demanding more aid for the affected areas.
Macron responded by telling locals: “I had nothing to do with the hurricane. You can blame me, but that’s not me.”
Prime Minister François Bayrou said the Mayotte tragedy could be the worst natural disaster in French history for centuries.
More than 100,000 people remain in Red Cross shelters after their homes were destroyed.