France estimates damage from the hurricane in Mayotte at more than $650 million

France reported that the damage caused by Hurricane Chido in the French department of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean for insurers amounted to $650-800 million, French newspaper Le Parisien reported on December 19, citing France's Central Reinsurance Office (CCR).

"The cost of damage caused by the passage of the cyclone, covered by insurance companies under the natural catastrophe scheme, was estimated on Thursday by the French state reinsurer at $650-800," the newspaper said.

It is specified that this estimate is not final and insurers are likely to "re-estimate" the amount of damage.

The strongest for 90 years tropical cyclone "Shido" hit Mayotte on December 14. The storm was accompanied by heavy rainfall and wind gusts of up to 250 km/h, and at least 15 thousand households were left without electricity. Local authorities expressed fears that the final number of victims could reach several thousand.

Rescue workers and medicines were sent to Mayotte, and the Minister of Interior and Overseas Territories of France Bruno Retayo undertook to coordinate the work to overcome the consequences of the hurricane. In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would visit Mayotte to support citizens and declare national mourning in the country. His visit is expected to take place on Thursday.

Later, on December 18, it was reported that the death toll from Hurricane Chido in the French department of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean reached 31 people.