Two killed as Cyclone Chido batters French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte

PARIS (WAM)

France's Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte has been struck by the worst cyclone to hit the islands in nearly a century, BBC reported on Sunday.

At least two people were reportedly killed when Cyclone Chido made landfall on Saturday, causing wind gusts of more than 225km/h (140mph), and it is feared more may have died.

French President Emmanuel Macron said France would "be there" for the people of Mayotte, while French officials said 250 firefighters and security personnel would be sent to the islands, with some having already arrived.

France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said "All makeshift homes have been completely destroyed" and he feared a "heavy" death toll.

Retailleau wrote in a statement on X, "I offer my full support to the people of Mayotte. The state and local emergency services are fully mobilised. 110 civil security personnel and firefighters have already been sent and are on site. A second dispatch will be made tomorrow with 140 additional personnel."