Devastating cyclone hits Mayotte archipelago, killing hundreds

The most powerful cyclone in nearly a century hit the French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte, a senior local French official said.

Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville told local media outlets that “several hundred people” have been killed in the disaster, but the death toll may rise, reaching several thousands. The number of victims will be more clearly known when the authorities assess the scale of the destruction.

Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte overnight, Meteo-France said, with winds of more than 200 kph (124 mph), damaging housing, government buildings and a hospital. It was the strongest storm in more than 90 years to hit the islands.

Over 100,000 undocumented migrants live in Mayotte, according to the French interior ministry.