President Emmanuel Macron has promised to rebuild France’s Caribbean territories in the wake of Hurricane Irma’s widespread destruction.
Visiting French-controlled St Martin on Tuesday, Macron said the island must be rebuilt as a “model” to withstand future weather patterns.
“I don’t want to rebuild St Martin as it was … We have seen there are many homes that were built too precariously, with fragile infrastructure. The geography of the homes was not adapted to the risks,” he said.
At least 14 people died and more than 200 went missing after Irma hit the island on September 6, according to the Netherlands Red Cross.
St Martin is divided between French and Dutch sovereignty.
A number of residents remain without power and mobile service following the Category 5 storm.
Source: Al Jazeera