‘Mutual aid in times of crisis’ collection: case study France (La Réunion), December 2025

15/12/2025

Frequently exposed to tropical cyclones, the island of La Réunion provides a relevant case for examining mutual aid dynamics in times of crisis. Cyclonic events reveal successive forms of solidarity, ranging from spontaneous, community-based support to more organized and sometimes long-lasting initiatives. However, these dynamics are increasingly weakened by individualization, the erosion of collective memory, and growing social and territorial inequalities. The relationship between citizen initiatives and institutional emergency responses remains ambivalent, often hindered by top-down approaches and the lack of pre-existing connections. Despite these limitations, mutual aid remains a key lever of resilience, calling for stronger recognition and articulation between civil society and institutions in the face of intensifying climate-related risks.