Ready to extend all possible assistance to France after Cyclone Chido hits Mayotte, posts Narendra Modi on X

Modi wrote on X: "Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families."

He further said: "I am confident that under President @EmmanuelMacron
’s leadership, France will overcome this tragedy with resilience and resolve. India stands in solidarity with France and is ready to extend all possible assistance."

Hundreds of people are feared to have died after Cyclone Chido hit the French Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte on Saturday, causing widespread devastation in the region, media reports said on Monday.

Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville earlier told local TV as quoted by Sky News: "I think there are some several hundred dead, maybe we'll get close to a thousand, even thousands... given the violence of this event."

He said it was extremely 'difficult' to ascertain the exact figure.

According to local media reports, it is the strongest storm to hit the region in 90 years.

Winds rushing past 200 kmph ripped through the region and severely damaged houses, hospitals and numerous other buildings, paralysing normal life in the area.