France is rushing help by ship and military aircraft to its poor overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean that has been shattered by its worst storm in nearly a century.

Cyclone Chido obliterated shantytowns on the French island territory of Mayotte on Saturday, with French ministers fearing a "heavy" death toll from the destruction, which has already claimed two lives.

At least two people were killed Saturday as fierce winds from Cyclone Chido lashed French Indian Ocean territory Mayotte, with authorities warning of severe damage and residents fearing the worst.