Mayotte Prepares for Cyclone Dikeledi Amid Recovery from Past Storm
Mayotte is facing a red alert as cyclone Dikeledi approaches, threatening to bring winds of up to 120 km/h and heavy rain. The update follows cyclone Chido, which recently devastated the region. Local authorities are reopening emergency shelters and advising residents to prepare for severe weather conditions, particularly due to risks of mudslides and flooding.
Mayotte, a French department located in the Indian Ocean, is set to experience severe weather conditions as cyclone Dikeledi approaches. Authorities are preparing for the impact of this significant weather event, which threatens to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the already battered region. Cyclone Dikeledi is forecasted to pass approximately 75 kilometers south of Mayotte on Sunday, prompting the Minister of Overseas Territories to elevate the storm warning from orange to red. This decision was made following an emergency cabinet meeting led by the Interior Ministry in Paris, stressing the urgency of preparedness for the impending storm.
The cyclone will result in average winds of 50 to 60 km/h throughout the island, with the potential for gusts reaching between 100 and 120 km/h in certain areas. Météo France, the national weather bureau, has warned of possible coastal flooding along the western and southern shores. As a precautionary measure, all ferry transportation has been halted, and residents are advised to seek shelter while preparing for possible evacuations.
This declaration of high alert comes just weeks after the devastating effects of cyclone Chido, which resulted in the deaths of at least 39 individuals, left 124 seriously injured, and displaced thousands from their homes. The region is still recovering from the calamity, which was the most destructive storm in nearly a century. During the aftermath, many displaced residents relied on donations and temporary shelter in accommodations that had been established. Authorities have been ordered to re-open various public buildings to provide refuge for those affected.
Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the Prefect of Mayotte, noted that the risk of mudslides poses an additional threat, particularly due to the specifically wet nature of cyclone Dikeledi, which is expected to deliver a substantial amount of rainfall. As the population of Mayotte is estimated to be around 320,000, alongside a significant undocumented population, the urgency to prepare and secure safe shelter spaces cannot be overstated. Citizens are being instructed to store adequate food and water supplies in anticipation of the cyclone’s arrival.
The article outlines the impending arrival of cyclone Dikeledi, which poses an immediate threat to Mayotte, a French overseas territory already reeling from the aftermath of cyclone Chido just a month prior. Cyclone Dikeledi’s expected trajectory and the predicted weather conditions highlight the urgency for high alert measures and preparations among local authorities and residents. The passage of cyclone Chido has left many in precarious situations, making the region particularly vulnerable to additional disaster.
In summary, Mayotte is bracing for the impact of cyclone Dikeledi, as authorities raise the storm alert level to red due to its approaching trajectory. With the region still recovering from cyclone Chido’s devastation, the preparations being implemented underscore the seriousness of the situation. Community leaders and residents alike must heed warnings and take proactive steps to ensure safety in the face of this new challenge.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
