Authorities in the French overseas territory of Mayotte could still confirm only 31 deaths on Wednesday from Cyclone Chido, more than four days after it swept through the Indian Ocean archipelago, causing mayhem and killing possibly thousands.

France is rushing help by ship and military aircraft to its poor overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean that has been shattered by its worst storm in nearly a century.

Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, with hundreds feared dead. France is conducting rescue operations with military support, as emergency workers search for survivors. The island, known for its poverty,