FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Residents of Maoytte have spoken of "apocalyptic scenes" caused by the worst storm in 90 years to hit the French Indian Ocean territory. Cyclone Chido produced winds of more than 225 km/h, flattening areas where the poorest lived in tin-roofed shacks.
"We have had no water for three days," said a resident of the capital, Mamoudzou. "Some of my neighbors are hungry and thirsty," said another.
Rescue workers, including reinforcements from France, are clearing the debris in search of survivors. The local prefect said the death toll could reach hundreds.
Authorities said they had difficulty determining the death toll because of the large number of undocumented migrants, more than 100,000 in a population of 320,000.
Extensive infrastructure damage, with downed power lines and impassable roads, is severely hampering emergency operations.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is scheduled to visit the island to assess the damage and coordinate further relief efforts.
Lini një Përgjigje