In pics: Cyclone Chido leaves a trail of destruction in France's Mayotte; many feared dead

A powerful cyclone struck the French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte leaving a lot of people dead. According to authorities, the death toll could be in the hundreds or even thousands.

(Photo: AP)

This cyclone is considered the strongest to hit the region in nearly a century and determining accurate figures might also be further complicated by the estimated 100,000 undocumented residents. The cyclone approached with winds reaching 226 kilometres per hour.

(Photo: AP)

The rescue operations are underway but face challenges due to damaged airports and power infrastructure in this French Indian Ocean territory.

(Photo: AP)

France is sending additional soldiers, firefighters, and medical personnel to Mayotte. Supplies, including medical equipment and blood for transfusions, are arriving by plane and ship from Reunion Island.

(Photo: AP)

The cyclone severely damaged hospitals and school. and witnesses have told news agency AP that nine people were in critical condition, and 246 others were seriously injured. The damage also is said to be devastating.

(Photo: AP)

The storm also destroyed shantytowns housing a significant portion of the island's population, including many undocumented residents. Some were afraid to seek help, fearing deportation, according to witnesses quoted by news agency.

(Photo: AP)

Cyclone Chido also hit the Comoros Islands, causing minor damage. It then made landfall in Mozambique, where three deaths have been reported. The remnants of the storm are expected to bring heavy rain to Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, possibly leading to floods.

(Photo: AP)

Many countries around the world provided support. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was among the first. "Our hearts go out to France following the devastating passage of cyclone Chido through Mayotte," she posted on X.

(Photo: AP)