The death toll has risen to 39 people and local authorities reported on Wednesday that over 4,000 people have been injured, with over 120 seriously injured.
The death toll is expected to rise further, even though the death figure is not as high as authorities initially feared.
The work of identifying the victims of the cyclone continues in coordination with local officials and organizations, said an administrative chief to AFP on Wednesday.
Cyclone Chidos caused widespread destruction when it hit French Mayotte, northwest of Madagascar, on December 14, and a very large part of the island group's infrastructure has been destroyed. On Tuesday, local authorities announced that 35 percent of the population has regained electricity, but that there are still ongoing problems with the water supply.
France is sending over 100 tons of emergency aid and equipment daily, and an air bridge has been established between Mayotte, Reunion, and the French mainland, according to French BFMTV.
On his first day on the job, the new minister for France's overseas territories, Manuel Valls, assured that Mayotte was the new government's top priority.
We are thinking of the victims. Great need prevails on Mayotte – which is our priority in our efforts, said Valls, adding that he and Prime Minister François Bayrou will visit the island group as soon as possible.
We will not be able to rebuild Mayotte in a few weeks, but I can assure the nation's total commitment, he said.
