Macron Says Irma Toll to be 'Heavy, Cruel' on French Islands

Hurricane Irma will exact a "heavy, cruel" toll on two French Caribbean islands, President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday after a crisis meeting with key ministers in Paris.

"It's too soon for casualty figures (but) I can already tell you the toll will be heavy and cruel," a sombre Macron said, flanked by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and Interior Minister Gerard Collomb.

"And the damage on the two islands (St Barts and St Martin) will be considerable," he added.