TRANSCRIPT
Emergency workers are searching for survivors and battling to restore services in Mayotte, France's poorest overseas territory, where hundreds or even thousands are feared dead from Chido - the worst cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century.
UNICEF workers in the area say critical services need to be restored, including clean water and sanitation.
UNICEF spokesman Guy Taylor says it could also lead to a spread of deadly diseases.
"UNICEF is concerned about the immediate impacts of this cyclone. The loss of life, the damage to schools, to people's homes, to health care facilities. We're also worried about the longer term impacts. Children potentially being cut off from learning for weeks on end. People unable to get access to health care and the potential spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and malaria."
Winds of more than 200 kilometres an hour destroyed homes, spreading the wreckage over hillsides and cutting phones, power and drinking water.
More than three-quarters of Mayotte's 321,000 people live in relative poverty.
French President Emmanuel Macron has met officials ((Mon)) to discuss responses to the aftermath of the cyclone.
Christian Pailler is the director of the Red Cross Indian Ocean Response Platform:
"We have prepared a first batch of 30 tonnes of equipment for Mayotte. Here, we have tarpaulins to cover the roofs of houses. We also have kits for rebuilding homes, which are tools, shovels, picks, spikes and hammers. So we can get back to work on temporary shelters. We are also sending a lot of family kits, jerrycans, blankets and solar lamps, which can also be used to charge mobile phones. So that's the first batch, plus hygiene kits for families."
Mr Pailler admits the recovery task ahead is a difficult one.
"We had a cyclone that destroyed a large part of the island and the logistics is complex, so it's not easy to help the people. Fortunately, we have 250 Red Cross workers on the ground, 150 staff and 100 volunteers. These people have also been shocked by what happened. Some have lost everything, including our local director, the territorial director of the Red Cross, who lost his house. So these people need to be able to get back on their feet on a family level so that they can go back and help people and resume activities that will help people."
With many areas still inaccessible, France's acting Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau - who arrived on Mayotte on Monday - said it would take days to ascertain the full extent of damage and deaths .
Architect and local resident Camille Cozon Abdourazak says the island looks like a war zone and no amount of preparation could have protected the flimsy houses.
"The majority of the houses are hovels, so pruning wasn't going to change a thing, All those run-down dwellings didn't stand a chance. It really is a war landscape. Around me, I don't recognise anything any more. There's not even a tree left, the hills, there's not a blade of grass, it's impressive."
The European Parliament observed a minute of silence for the victims of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, led by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola:
"Our thoughts are with the victims, with their loved ones and all those who are showing extraordinary courage in the face of this incredible challenge. Mayotte is Europe and Europe will never abandon you. We are determined to provide you with the full range of the support needed."
