As a result of a powerful cyclone in the French overseas Mayotte archipelago, hundreds, possibly even thousands of people died, Reuters reported, citing one of the local French officials.
"Shido" is considered the most powerful cyclone to hit Mayotte in the Indian Ocean in the last century. It caused great destruction, swept away hundreds of houses. The French Ministry of the Interior said that it is difficult to determine the number of victims at this stage.
"It will be difficult in terms of casualties because Mayotte is a Muslim area where the dead are buried within 24 hours," said a French interior ministry official. The cyclone moved from Mayotte to Mozambique on December 15, bringing rain and strong winds, causing damage power lines and telecommunication infrastructure.
France colonized Mayotte in 1843, and Comoros in 1904. In a 1974 referendum, 95% of Comoros voted to secede from France, but 63% of Mayotte voted to remain in France. Of the Comoros, Grand Comoros, Anjouan and Mohely declared independence in 1975. Mayotte is still governed by Paris.
