French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Mayotte as the French Indian Ocean territory continues to suffer the devastation of Cyclone Chitto.

Macron arrived in Mayotte on Thursday morning and said he was carrying four tons of food and medical supplies.

French officials reported that at least 31 people were dead and thousands more were missing after a hurricane ripped through the islands on Saturday.

Mayotte has declared a state of special natural disaster.

Earlier, Mayotte senator Salama Lamia told the BBC that emergency food was a priority.

“One or two stores opened, but not everyone had money to buy food, and even the stores started to empty out, so food was really urgent for me.”

This state of emergency, specifically targeted at French overseas territories, allows administrative obstacles to be overcome to respond to the crisis faster and more effectively.

It is activated for one month but can be extended for two months if needed.

Francois-Noël Buffett, Minister responsible for Overseas Territories, said: “Faced with this exceptional situation, special resources must be deployed to quickly restore vital services and implement a sustainable reconstruction plan for Mayotte.”

Emergency services have been delivering food and water and clearing roads while racing to find the missing.

Health workers fear the infectious disease could spread as residents report shortages of clean drinking water and stores are rationing supplies.

Authorities said their first priority was to get damaged water plants back online.

Half the territory is still without electricity. New curfew imposed People were asked to stay at home for six hours overnight to prevent looting.

Mayotte is one of the poorest regions in France, with many residents living in shantytowns.

Macron’s government has been criticized for years for not investing enough in Mayotte.

It is home to 100,000 migrants seeking asylum in France and living in informal settlements. They are believed to be among the worst affected by the hurricane.

Desire – Worst storm to hit islands in 90 years – Winds of more than 225 km/h (140 mph) on Saturday flattened areas where people lived in shacks with sheet metal roofs, leaving a trail of mud and debris.

After Mayotte, the storm hit the African continent, killing at least 45 people in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi.