At least 9 dead on French islands:minister

Hurricane Irma has left at least nine people dead, seven missing and 112 injured on the French Caribbean islands of St Martin and St Barts and coastal residents should take shelter as a new storm approaches, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb says.

Collomb told reporters on Friday the casualty toll could rise as more emergency workers reached deeper into the area.

He said France was shuttling security forces, emergency workers and aid to the islands before Hurricane Jose hits St Martin and St Barts on Saturday night.

He said the top priority is to "save the population and restore order" after looting broke out in some areas.

The French rescue operation includes military frigates, military and civilian planes and helicopters.

A warship is leaving from France next Tuesday to bring heavy equipment to help rebuild the islands, where the government says a majority of buildings were damaged or destroyed.