Mayotte toll still unknown as French territory reels from Chido devastation

The number of victims remains unclear several says since cyclone made landfall, and authorities fear hundreds or more could have been killed.

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to visit the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean as it reels from the strongest storm to hit it in 90 years.

The president said he will arrive in the archipelago, which is France’s poorest territory, on Thursday and declared national mourning after ensuring “continuity of the state”.

So far, 22 deaths have been confirmed in Mayotte, but there are fears the actual toll from Cyclone Chido could be much higher.

“I cannot give a death toll because I don’t know. I fear the toll will be too heavy,” acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told BFMTV on Wednesday.

Newly appointed French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said on Tuesday that more than 1,500 people were injured, including more than 200 critically.