Cyclone Chido in Mayotte | Exceptional mobilization of firefighters from the SDIS of Haute-Garonne
Since mid-December 2024, firefighters from the Haute-Garonne Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS 31) have been engaged in a major civil security mission in Mayotte, following the devastating passage of Cyclone Chido.
These operations, led by the General Directorate of Civil Security and Crisis Management in collaboration with other SDIS, associations and local authorities, once again demonstrate the unfailing commitment of the Haute Garonne firefighters to protect and assist populations in major crisis situations.
As soon as they arrived, the teams got involved in several major missions:
• “Go to” missions: this new experimental approach consists of reaching out to isolated populations in order to provide them with medical care and logistical support. During their mission in the commune of Sada, they carried out more than 40 open-air consultations thanks to the mobilization of local associations and the town hall.
• Rehabilitation of medical infrastructure: the Sada annex dispensary, severely damaged by the cyclone, was cleaned and secured by the teams, thus allowing its future reopening as soon as electricity and water were restored.
• Essential additional activities: Pruning fallen trees, repairing gates and fences, as well as securing medical equipment, made it possible to quickly respond to logistical issues that had remained unresolved for weeks.
Professional and supportive teams
With a mobilization of 11 firefighters, professionals and volunteers, the SDIS 31 detachment acts in perfect coordination with the local authorities and other partner SDIS. Made up of first aiders, nurses, a doctor but also specialists in USAR (Urban Search And Rescue), the teams are particularly suited to the needs of this mission. These efforts are particularly praised by local stakeholders for their direct impact on the management of this crisis, leaving a positive and lasting imprint.
A Carbonnais doctor in the team
Few know it, but we have an SDIS 31 firefighter doctor in Carbonne who specializes in this type of mission. It can be projected, throughout the humanitarian disasters that may arise, in the four corners of the world, to provide assistance and relief to suffering populations. Doctor Philippe Poinot from the Terrasse health center located on avenue de Toulouse in Carbonne then became Commander Poinot who commanded this operational detachment. Beyond the Hippocratic Oath, this discreet and humble doctor puts these recognized and proven skills at the service of populations in situations of great suffering in the field of human emergencies anywhere in the world. There is a great example when the know-how and know-how are in harmony and allow one to give meaning to one's life by reaching out to others, whatever the origin, skin color or situation of the people rescued. . In these moments of wishes, of celebrations which invite generosity, it is reassuring that, like this doctor, people with the greatest anonymity give their time for others. May they all be thanked here.
Moreover, in this respect, all the caregivers, in particular the nurses and the doctor Sophie Renard from the Terrasse health center, have adapted by increasing their efforts to allow the practice's patients to be received in excellent conditions during the absence of Doctor Poinot. It is reassuring for residents of the CPTS Volvestre / Coeur de Garonne sector to know that it is this same Doctor Poinot who will be responsible for managing a crisis that occurs in our territory.
