Hundreds Killed After Cyclone Hits France

The French archipelago of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean has reported the devastating impact of Cyclone Shidou, which struck the region on Saturday.

Authorities estimate that "hundreds of people" have lost their lives in what has been described as the most powerful storm to hit Mayotte in over 90 years, according to French meteorological service Météo-France.

Abdou Wahid Soumaila, the mayor of Mamoudzou, the largest city in Mayotte, confirmed earlier today that nine individuals sustained critical injuries and were transported to the island's main hospital. An additional 246 people suffered moderate injuries.

Cyclone Shidou unleashed winds exceeding 220 kilometers per hour (136 mph), causing widespread destruction.

The storm toppled power lines, uprooted trees, and tore roofs off homes. Mayotte, where about one-third of the population resides in fragile housing structures, was particularly vulnerable to the cyclone’s ferocity.