new reinforcements expected with the strengthening of air and sea bridges, announces Minister Bruno Retailleau

Once again in transit in Reunion, after their day spent in Mayotte, Bruno Retailleau and François-Noël Buffet, the resigning Ministers of the Interior and Overseas Territories, take stock of the means mobilized following the terrible damage caused by the passage of cyclone Chido.

From Petite-Terre to Grande-Terre, the two government representatives were able to realize the unprecedented situation encountered by Mahorais who are accustomed to facing major crises, from the problem of water to those of illegal immigration, insecurity, or even the high cost of living.

Watch the press conference in replay:

“The observation is clear: the island is devastated“, declared Minister Retailleau, referring to the spectacle of “desolation” which he was able to observe in particular during a helicopter reconnaissance. From the shows of the Saint-Denis prefecture, Bruno Retailleau also indicated that for the moment, he refused to give any figure regarding the human toll.

A figure that is necessarily underestimated given the problem of “undocumented immigrants” and the predominant place of precarious housing in Mayotte. However, according to our information, there are currently a total of 21 deaths in hospital, 45 absolute emergency injuries as well as nearly 1,400 relative emergency injuries treated.

During this brief but intense visit, government representatives went to meet disaster victims and teams mobilized on the ground to manage the situation after the passage of Cyclone Chido.

“If we wanted to go to Mayotte – three government ministers, it is first of all to show the population our compassioncontinued Bruno Retailleau. But also to show all the Mahorais that the State stood by their side, with a helping hand. We have a thought for all the families who have been very hard hit.“.

During this press point from Reunion, it was also announced the arrival in the coming days of some 1,200 human reinforcements, including 800 from Civil Security. Resources on an unprecedented scale. 400 additional gendarmes will also arrive.

The CHM, the Mayotte Hospital Center which was also very heavily affected, will be able to gradually resume its activities. “Its services are not overwhelmed“, assured Bruno Retailleau, but it will be reinforced by a field hospital which will operate with 90 staff from this Thursday, December 19.

Regarding housing, the Reunion authorities have mobilized 10 tonnes of tarpaulins thanks to the stocks of the Red Cross. It is also planned to transport modular units from the mainland.

Furthermore, the natural disaster procedure will soon be launched even if, as Bruno Retailleau recalled, only 10% of residents are insured in Mayotte. “Which means that we will have to study the establishment of an emergency fund for those who are not“.

No major infrastructure was spared. First of all we can mention the Petite-Terre airport. In addition to the damage rendering the control tower non-operational, the signage system was heavily damaged, preventing planes from landing at night.

Good news nonetheless, specified Bruno Retailleau: “THE DGAC reports that it will be possible in the coming days to reopen the airport for night traffic. The airlift is only valid during the day, but as soon as planes can land and take off at night, its capacities will be considerably increased.“.

Port infrastructure has also been strongly affected, particularly the port of Longoni, but the terminal is once again capable of receiving large ships. In addition to the military ships on the maritime bridge, a CMA CGM boat is expected by the end of the week.

Continuity has also been restored between Petite Terre and Grande-Terre since two barges are working again and a third should be put back into service starting next week.

Regarding water, a desalination plant has been restarted in Petite Terre. The factories will operate again at 50% of their capacity within 48 hours, assured Bruno Retailleau. “And within a week, the prefect indicates that we could even reach 95%“.

The A400M, the military aircraft capable of carrying 20 tonnes of cargo, will transport water and food from the air hub of Reunion Island, “This is fundamental to providing the necessary support to the Mahorese population“.

Regarding public order, none “big problem“has not been noted, declares Minister Retailleau. “We are not considering a curfew“, he added. A state of emergency will not be declared either, at least for the moment. A response to the requests of Mahorese elected officials, including MP Estelle Youssouffa.

Bruno Retailleau also recalled the activation of article 27, an exceptional provision placing authority over all state services in the hands of the prefect of Mayotte, “which allows for very effective and pyramidal crisis management“.

This press point will have started later than planned due to the participation of Bruno Retailleau and François-Noël Buffet, remotely, in a meeting chaired by Emmanuel Macron at the interministerial crisis center of the Ministry of the Interior in Paris.

At the end of this meeting, the Head of State announced on social networks that he would go to Mayotte very soon.