The tropical storm has devastated the French territory located in the Indian Ocean, north of Madagascar. The number of dead in the French territory of Mayotte due to cyclone Chido could reach 1,000, the island's top government official reported on Sunday.

Authorities in Mayotte fear the death toll from Category 4 Cyclone Chido could reach hundreds or even thousands.

Local authorities said the cyclone, which made landfall with wind speeds above 140 mph, devastated several “shantytowns” across the island.