French Prime Minister François Bayrou has downplayed fears of a catastrophic death toll from Cyclone Chido, which struck the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on 14 December. Bayrou stated that the number of fatalities is likely in the dozens rather than the thousands initially feared.
Speaking to BFMTV, Bayrou expressed confidence that “alarmist and sometimes terrifying numbers put forward won’t be borne out in reality.” So far, 35 deaths have been confirmed on the island. However, in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, local prefect François-Xavier Bieuville warned that fatalities could reach “several hundred” or even thousands due to the storm’s severity.
Bieuville defended his earlier remarks on Tuesday, explaining to France Info radio, “I have never been alarmist, I was simply unable to give the number of victims.” He added that ongoing investigations are providing clearer data, suggesting the toll will remain at 35. 
Challenges in assessing the scale of fatalities stemmed from Cyclone Chido’s destruction of infrastructure, making many areas inaccessible. Additionally, Islamic burial customs, which require interment within 24 hours, complicated efforts to track the deceased.
Uncertainty over Mayotte’s population size has also hindered accurate assessments. Officially, the territory has 320,000 residents, but authorities estimate there are between 100,000 and 200,000 undocumented migrants living there.
Cyclone Chido was the worst storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, with winds reaching 260 km/h (160 mph). The storm devastated the impoverished archipelago, where many residents live in shanty towns with makeshift metal roofs. Survivors endured up to a week without water, electricity, or communication.
France observed a national day of mourning on Monday. President Emmanuel Macron visited Mayotte last week, where he faced criticism from locals demanding more aid for devastated areas.
Efforts to restore basic services are progressing. On Tuesday, Bieuville reported that water supply had been restored to main areas, though delivery remains challenging. Fuel shortages have been resolved, and a field hospital is now operational to aid recovery efforts.
Cyclone Chido’s destruction extended beyond Mayotte, killing 120 people in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi after moving to continental Africa.
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