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Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte earlier this month, France observed a national day of mourning on Monday. President Emmanuel Macron led the nation in a minute of silence to honor the storm's victims.
He called for nationwide remembrance during his visit to the island last week - where he was jeered by some islanders who criticised the slow delivery of aid.
It is feared that hundreds, possibly thousands, of people died when Chido made landfall off Africa's south-east coast on 14 December, bringing winds of up to 260 km/h (160mph) and 250 mm of rainfall in the first 24 hours.
Speaking after the minute of silence was held, French Prime Minister François Bayrou said it was "symbolic of our solidarity with all those who are suffering".
"It is a commitment to ensure that the national community is present, to rebuild Mayotte and to ensure that the people of Mayotte feel surrounded by an entire country," he added.
Flags have been flown at half-mast in a show of solidarity in French cities including Paris, Marseille and Lyon.
The moment of silence was also observed in Mayotte, where more than a week after the storm, survivors are struggling without water, communication and electricity, while rescuers try to provide urgently needed assistance.
Mayotte Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville said that a field hospital would begin work on Tuesday, which will be able to treat up to 100 people a day.
Macron pledged to rebuild Mayotte's devastated infrastructure and homes following his visit.
After touring the region in a helicopter to see the devastation, he said that Thursday was a day he would never forget.
During the visit he was heckled and faced calls to resign from locals who demanded more aid in devastated areas.
Macron responded by telling locals: "I had nothing to do with the cyclone. You can blame me, but it wasn't me."
Prime Minister François Bayrou said the tragedy of Mayotte was probably the worst natural disaster in centuries of French history.
