Race to find survivors as Mayotte reels from cyclone devastation

Macron set to visit after most destructive cyclone to hit the French territory in 90 years

MAMOUDZOU, Mayotte - Rescuers searched desperately for survivors as they sought to assess the full scale of devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido on the French overseas territory of Mayotte, which emerged on Dec 18 from a first night spent under curfew.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be in Mayotte on Dec 19, his office announced on Dec 17, as the authorities anticipate a death toll reaching hundreds - possibly even thousands - from the most destructive cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean archipelago in 90 years.

The true scale of the disaster is still being assessed as rescuers raced to find survivors in the ruins of slums such as those in the capital Mamoudzou, while also unblocking roads and clearing rubble and downed trees.

A curfew from 10pm to 4am local time was imposed as a security measure to prevent looting.