Hundreds of people are feared dead by a hurricane on the French island of Mayotte

The French prefect of Mayotte fears that the hurricane that passed over the island yesterday has killed hundreds of people. He even takes into account a thousand deaths. Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville did not say what he based his estimate on.

Mayotte is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean northwest of Madagascar. About 310,000 people live there.

The official death toll still stands at fourteen. Last night, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said that Mayotte has been largely destroyed. He also said he was already taking into account many deaths.

According to him, it will be difficult to determine the exact death toll because many Muslims are believed to have died. According to Islamic regulations, the deceased must be buried within 24 hours.

This French journalist shows how devastating the hurricane was:

The hurricane caused enormous destruction on Mayotte yesterday. Wind gusts of 226 kilometers per hour were measured. Prefect Bieuville previously said it was “the most powerful and destructive tropical hurricane” to hit Mayotte in 90 years.

Roads and houses have been damaged or destroyed, especially in the island’s slums. Mayotte’s main hospital and airport also suffered damage.

France has sent rescuers and other aid workers to the island. According to the French Ministry of the Interior, more than 1,500 officers have been deployed to assist the population and prevent possible looting. France has started bringing aid supplies by sea and air.