November 19th 2023.
Nestled in the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Madagascar, lies Mayotte, a French territory facing an unprecedented water crisis. With a population of around 310,000 people, Mayotte is dealing with one of the worst droughts in its history.
Reports have shown that two water reservoirs have reached critical levels, one at a mere 7% of capacity and the other at 6%. This dire situation has sparked protests and calls from residents to France to do more.
Mayotte has been a French colony since 1841 and was granted the same status as the 96 other departments of mainland France in 2011. As such, it is subject to French law and governance.
In response to the crisis, the French government has taken action. They have shipped 600,000 liters of bottled water to the island, deployed troops and civil servants to help with water distribution, and even suspended water bills for all residents.
Despite these efforts, many Mahorais feel abandoned by their authorities. Douainda Attoumani, a 27-year-old woman with a household of 10 people, told CNN: "When we have no water, what are we actually going to do? We’re going to die of thirst. The authorities seem absent in our daily suffering."
The water crisis in Mayotte is a reminder of the impact of climate change and the importance of action from governments to ensure their citizens have access to basic resources such as water. Mayotte is the poorest place in the European Union, and it is essential that their voices are heard and their needs met.
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