PARIS, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least two people have died and significant material damage is reported in Mayotte as Cyclone Chido swept through the French Indian Ocean territory on Saturday, French media said.
The powerful storm, which brought winds exceeding 220 km/h, caused fatalities in Petite-Terre, BFM TW reported. Authorities have activated a red alert on the island.
France dispatched reinforcements, including 140 civil security soldiers and firefighters, to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. They are expected to arrive in Mayotte on Sunday.
After an interministerial crisis meeting, French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told the media that "the situation is dramatic, absolutely exceptional." However, he didn't disclose definitive human toll for the moment.
He is scheduled to visit Mayotte on Monday, his office told French media.
