Macron faces protests in storm-hit Mayotte

In Pamandzi, an angry crowd booed and shouted at the president, asking for more aid to be delivered.

Officials in France's poorest overseas territory have only been able to confirm 31 fatalities more than five days after the cyclone, but some have said they fear thousands could have been killed.

People in storm-ravaged Mayotte have implored French President Emmanuel Macron to do more to help as he toured the overseas territory where scores are feared dead in the rubble left by Cyclone Chido.

Some in the crowds that gathered outside the airport booed the presidential motorcade, while others said they were grateful for Macron's visit and urged him to stay longer.

Officials in France's poorest overseas territory have only been able to confirm 31 fatalities more than five days after the cyclone, but some have said they fear there could be thousands. A lawmaker told Macron that some victims had been buried in mass graves.

Many areas remain inaccessible. Heavy rain in the capital Mamoudzou and other areas has deepened the plight of thousands of people whose shantytown dwellings were flattened.

As Macron disembarked from a plane carrying food and medical aid, airport workers pleaded for support.

Macron's office said he would stay on the islands overnight and visit neighbourhoods. It had not previously been clear how long he would stay.

His government has been accused by opposition politicians of neglecting Mayotte, and several residents of impoverished areas said they had not received any help since Chido struck.

Macron said his government would send more support soon, including 400 more gendarmes to ensure security, and noted a surge of food and water arriving by air and sea.

"We all have to get together. From the first day people mobilised day and night. We must not divide ourselves," he said.

Authorities have warned it will be difficult to work out how many have died in a territory that is home to large numbers of undocumented migrants from Comoros, Madagascar and other countries. Official statistics put Mayotte's population at 321,000, but many say it is much higher.