The death toll from Cyclone Chido in the French territory of Mayotte could be “several hundred” and possibly close to 1,000, the island’s top government official told the local broadcaster on Sunday.
The prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Bieuville, told television channel Mayotte la 1ere: “I think there are a few hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand.”
He said it was currently “extremely difficult” to ascertain an accurate figure after the Indian Ocean islands were hit by the powerful tropical cyclone on Saturday, causing widespread destruction.
Officials had confirmed at least 11 deaths in Mayotte earlier Sunday but said there were expected to be more deaths.
Aerial photos shared by the French Gendarmerie showed the rubble of hundreds of makeshift houses scattered across the hills of one of Mayotte’s islands.
Asked about the death toll in the hundreds, the French Interior Ministry said “it will be difficult to count all the victims” and said a number could not be determined at this stage.
Cyclone Chido swept through Mayotte overnight, Meteo-France said, bringing winds of more than 200 km/h and damaging temporary shelters, government buildings and a hospital. The meteorologist said it was the strongest storm to hit the islands in more than 90 years.
“My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte who went through the most terrible hours and some of whom lost everything, lost their lives,” said French President Emmanuel Macron.
