French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to visit Mayotte following one of the most devastating cyclones to hit the French territory, with authorities fearing hundreds or more lives have been lost.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that he would visit Mayotte in the "coming days" after a powerful cyclone tore through the French Indian Ocean territory.

Emergency workers are continuing to search for survivors and restore essential services in what is France's most impoverished overseas region. Hundreds, possibly thousands, are feared dead after the worst cyclone to strike the Indian Ocean islands in nearly a century.

Macron, who convened key government officials, declared the cyclone a national catastrophe, marking it as the most destructive storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years.

"During the meeting of the interministerial crisis unit this evening, I ensured that all emergency measures to help the inhabitants of Mayotte were taken and that the continuity of the State could be ensured," Macron stated on X, formerly Twitter.

"I will be traveling to Mayotte in the coming days to support our fellow citizens, civil servants, and the emergency services that have been mobilized. This is about dealing with emergencies and preparing for the future. In the face of this tragedy, which is deeply affecting all of us, I will declare national mourning."

Cyclone Chido caused widespread devastation across the archipelago over the weekend, with winds exceeding 200 kph (124 mph). Homes were scattered, and communication, power, and access to drinking water were severely disrupted.

Experts have linked Cyclone Chido to a growing trend of storms fueled by climate change.

The United States has also expressed readiness to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the disaster.