Overseas territories: drought, drowning in New Caledonia, and deadly shooting in Martinique

Herz — Climate Desk · 24 July 2026 at 16:13 · 30s summary · 4 min read

What we know

On July 24, 2026, multiple French overseas territories are facing simultaneous emergencies, according to France 24: severe drought from the Caribbean to the Pacific, deadly flooding in New Caledonia, and a shooting in Martinique.

Drought: Futuna, Réunion, Martinique, and Guadeloupe on alert

In Futuna, in the South Pacific, lack of rainfall directly threatens local crops.

In Réunion, seven municipalities are subject to water restrictions. In Martinique and Guadeloupe, similar restrictions are in place due to low groundwater levels.

New Caledonia: one dead in Touho flooding

New Caledonia faces the opposite situation. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in the island's north. A man was found drowned in Touho: his vehicle had been swept away as he attempted to cross a flooded passage.

The rains also flooded crops, including potato fields.

Martinique: 18th firearm homicide since start of year

In broad daylight, masked individuals opened fire in the Terres Sainville neighborhood of Fort-de-France. A man in his twenties was killed; a woman in her forties was wounded by bullet fragments, a collateral victim.

This homicide is the 18th committed with a firearm in Martinique since January 1, 2026.

Cost of living: Price Shield measure insufficient

In Martinique, the Price Shield (PS)—a cost-of-living measure for overseas territories established by law dated November 20, 2012 on overseas economic regulation—is failing to contain soaring prices.

As the school year approaches, price increases are aggravated by the war in Iran and rising transport costs, which increase import expenses on which island territories depend.

Geopolitical tensions: Azerbaijan targets overseas territories

Azerbaijan's president has described certain French overseas territories as "colonies." In 2024, he founded the Baku Initiative Group—a structure that attracted independence parties from New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Deputies from New Caledonia and Polynesia are now demanding a firm response from the French government to these statements.

Guadeloupe: eco-reef buoys to protect marine habitats

In Bouillante, Guadeloupe, mooring buoys incorporating eco-reefs are being installed. These concrete blocks serve both as anchor points for vessels and as artificial habitats for marine biodiversity, allowing anchor placement without damaging seabeds.

Timeline

1. Adoption of the law on overseas economic regulation, establishing the legal framework for the Price Shield (PS).