Rachel Wright

This man, John Ballos, who lives in the capital, Mamadzou, said he was surprised he wasn't among the dead.

Around 84% of the people on these islands live below the poverty line. Many of them are migrants who have come from the west coast of Africa, hoping to get to Europe. The islands are densely populated and a third of people live in shanty towns, which the winds ripped through, destroying buildings and cutting off water, communication and electricity.

Around 84% of the people on these islands live below the poverty line. Many of them are migrants who have come from the west coast of Africa, hoping to get to Europe. The islands are densely populated and a third of people live in shanty towns, which the winds ripped through, destroying buildings and cutting off water, communication and electricity.

The island's prefect said it was possible that thousands of people had died, but that it would take days before they knew how many. These survivors were queuing up to buy food and water.

The island's prefect said it was possible that thousands of people had died, but that it would take days before they knew how many. These survivors were queuing up to buy food and water.

Earlier today, Eric Samvar, the deputy head of the Red Cross in another French island in the Indian Ocean, told the BBC how difficult it was to bring in help.

Earlier today, Eric Samvar, the deputy head of the Red Cross in another French island in the Indian Ocean, told the BBC how difficult it was to bring in help.

But the French authorities say they're stepping up the search for survivors and mobilising support and resources to the island.

But the French authorities say they're stepping up the search for survivors and mobilising support and resources to the island.