Cyclone Chido has claimed the lives of at least 11 people, according to France’s interior ministry, with authorities in Mayotte warning that the death toll could rise further.
With wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h, Chido ripped metal roofs from homes and destroyed numerous small buildings across the French territory of Mayotte.
Dozens more have been injured in the aftermath of the cyclone.
An eyewitness reported widespread internet outages, leaving residents struggling to contact authorities or seek help.
The prefect of Mayotte described Chido as the most devastating cyclone to hit the archipelago in nearly a century.
While Mayotte bore the brunt of the storm and suffered extensive damage, the neighbouring islands of the Comoros and Madagascar were also impacted.
In the Comoros, authorities shut airports and schools shortly before the cyclone struck on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in Madagascar, residents have reported severe flooding as a result of the storm.
