French PM in Mayotte says 'rumours of thousands of deaths are unfounded'

French Prime Minister François Bayrou arrived in Mayotte on Monday, pledging to rebuild the cyclone-ravaged French overseas department within just two years.

Cyclone Chido, the worst to hit in 90 years, devastated the island, causing significant damage and loss of life.

It battered the infrastructure, knocking out power, leaving homes without water and putting a strain on the few places that could still provide essentials. Public health experts are concerned that a lack of access to clean water could lead to disease.

"Yes, I think that's an objective. If we know how to take all the necessary decisions, that's a goal we have to set ourselves," Bayrou stated when asked about the two-year rebuilding plan for Mayotte.

During his visit to a field hospital in Mamoudzou, Bayrou said: "Rumours of thousands of deaths are unfounded," he said, clarifying that the number of deaths is likely "a few tens or a few hundreds."

The comment seemingly dismissed the comments made just after the cyclone by Mayotte's top official, Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville.

He told TV station Mayotte la 1ere: “I think there are some several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand. Even thousands ... given the violence of this event.″

Bayrou suggested that this had been an inaccurate estimation.

"We have to be very careful with what we say," Bayrou stated. "Observers on the ground, who are very wise and have investigated thoroughly, report that the death toll is within these ranges. They went to meet community leaders and attended improvised religious ceremonies, providing us with this information."

The most recent official death toll stands at 39, according to authorities.

However residents have expressed anguish at not knowing if loved ones were dead or missing, partly because of the hasty burials required under Muslim practice to lay the dead to rest within 24 hours.

Bayrou also tackled the issue of immigration in Mayotte, describing it as a "burning problem." He acknowledged the deep upset and revolt among the local population and stressed the government's responsibility to address these issues through legislative measures.

"Our duty is to find answers to the current problems," Bayrou said. "I have pointed this out to Parliament, the Senate, and the National Assembly through legislative proposals that will isolate the sticking points, and we will discuss them with all the political forces."

Bayrou was accompanied by Manuel Valls, who was recently appointed Minister for Overseas France, and Elisabeth Borne, Minister for Education, as they visited a secondary school affected by Cyclone Chido.

Their trip also included a stop at a field hospital, where Bayrou greeted emergency workers and local authorities upon his arrival.