The number of people injured as a result of intense tropical cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte (a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean), has surpassed 1,700, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou said in an address to the National Assembly (the lower house of parliament), Report informs via TASS.
"The death toll currently stands at around 20, with another 200 people severely injured. Approximately 1,500 people have been wounded, but their lives are not at risk," the prime minister stated.
He emphasized that the data is not final, as the number of dead and injured may rise. Chido originated a few days ago in the southwestern part of the Indian Ocean and passed over Madagascar, Comoros, and the island of Mayotte. Authorities in Mayotte have not yet finalized the death toll but estimate that it could reach several hundred.