Gales of up to 150 kilometres an hour have battered New Caledonia's southern region as Cyclone Vania churns through the south-west Pacific.
The winds, high seas and heavy rain have closed airports, cut power and forced people to take shelter.
The French High Commission in Noumea says troops have helped move people to safety on the southern quarter of the main island, the Isle of Pines and Mare.
Authorities also issued a special order forbidding people to take to the streets in the capital.
A Commission spokesperson reported winds had slackened off during Friday afternoon.
