French President Emmanuel Macron faced backlash during his visit to cyclone-hit Mayotte, where locals criticized the lack of water, electricity, and support following Cyclone Chido.

Macron’s comment that Mayotte should feel “happy to be in France” drew further anger.

The storm, the strongest in 90 years, caused widespread destruction, killing 31 and injuring over 1,300.

Mayotte, the EU’s poorest region, struggles with poverty, migration, and informal settlements that bore the brunt of the storm, CNN has reported.

Macron pledged additional aid and announced a national day of mourning on Monday.

Written by B.C. Begley