Cyclone death toll in Mayotte tops 39

MAMOUDZOU, FRANCE:

The death toll from cyclone Chido in the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte has reached 39, according to the latest count from the island's prefect.

Meanwhile, France's interior ministry updated the number of wounded to 4,136, of which 124 were serious cases. "The work of identifying the victims of the cyclone continues, in coordination with local officials and associations," the island's prefect said.

At least 34 operations have been launched since the disaster struck to search for the missing, the ministry said, with drones being used in the effort.

A field hospital equipped with a maternity ward and two operating theatres opened in a stadium in eastern Mamoudzou, the island's main city.