Today is a day of national mourning in France for the victims of Cyclone Chido, which passed through the French overseas department of Mayotte, reported Agence France-Presse, quoted by BTA.
This is the most devastating element to hit Mayotte in 90 years. So far, the number of victims is 35, but it is expected to be hundreds, if not thousands. The injured are about 2,500 at this stage.
On the occasion of the national mourning, flags in France will be lowered to half-mast and a minute of silence will be observed at noon.
Cyclone Chido destroyed almost the entire habitat of Mayotte and caused colossal damage. Mayotte is the poorest department of France. Water, electricity and communication networks have not yet been restored there.
Last week, French President Macron visited Mayotte. He promised to adopt a special law to end the miserable ghettos on the island, which will take about two years.
In Mozambique, the same cyclone killed at least 94 people and in Malawi - 13 people.