The death toll in the French territory of Mayotte from Cyclone Chido could be “several hundred” and may be close to 1,000, the island’s top government official told the local broadcaster Sunday.
Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville told TV station Mayotte la 1ere, “I think there are some several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand.”
He said it was “extremely difficult” to get an exact number right now after the Indian Ocean islands were pummelled by the intense tropical cyclone on Saturday, causing widespread destruction.
Officials had confirmed at least 11 deaths in Mayotte earlier Sunday but said that was expected to increase.
Aerial footage shared by the French gendarmerie showed the wreckage of hundreds of makeshift houses strewn across the hills of one of Mayotte’s islands.
Asked about the death toll of several hundred, the French interior ministry said “it will be difficult to account for all victims” and said a figure 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 makeshift housing, government buildings and a hospital. It was the strongest storm in more than 90 years to hit the islands, the forecaster said.
“My thoughts are with our compatriots in Mayotte, who have gone through the most horrific few hours, and who have, for some, lost everything, lost their lives,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.