Mayotte on High Alert as Storm Dikeledi Approaches Following Cyclone Disaster
Residents of Mayotte are preparing for storm Dikeledi, which is expected to exacerbate conditions already worsened by Cyclone Chido. With heavy rains and dangerous winds forecasted, authorities issued a red alert while mobilizing emergency resources. Concerns persist among the community regarding the storm’s potential impact, particularly in previously affected areas.
On Sunday, residents of Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, prepared for a looming storm named Dikeledi, following the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which ravaged the area less than a month ago. The island has been placed on red alert since 1900 GMT Saturday, as the storm is projected to pass approximately 100 kilometers south of the territory. Initially striking Madagascar as a cyclone, Dikeledi has since weakened to a severe tropical storm but is anticipated to regain strength as it approaches Mayotte, possibly being reclassified as a cyclone by Monday morning, as reported by Meteo-France.
As of 6:00 AM local time, Dikeledi had been recorded around 260 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, moving at a 22 kilometers per hour pace. Authorities have urged residents to exercise “extreme vigilance” in light of recent catastrophic events. With heavy rains expected to trigger flash floods, warnings of flooding and landslides have been issued. Wind gusts on Mayotte may exceed 90 kilometers per hour, along with dangerous sea conditions. Residents have been advised to seek shelter and stock necessary provisions, including food and water.
Manuel Valls, France’s overseas territories minister, emphasized the serious nature of the situation, stating, “Nothing is being left to chance.” Following the devastation from Cyclone Chido, which resulted in 39 fatalities and around 5,600 injuries, officials have mobilized over 4,000 personnel, including police and military units. The prefect of Mayotte has directed local mayors to reopen shelters, accommodating those displaced by December’s cyclone, while also deploying emergency resources to vulnerable communities.
Despite significant aid efforts, many residents, such as Ismahane, express concern about the impending storm’s potential impact on the already suffering population, stating their fear of not fully recovering from the previous cyclone. Residents have stocked up on essential supplies as they brace for the possibility of further devastation from Dikeledi, highlighting the lingering effects of Cyclone Chido on the territory’s infrastructure and well-being.
Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, has faced severe weather challenges, notably with Cyclone Chido, which struck in mid-December 2022, inflicting catastrophic damage, resulting in numerous casualties and displacing thousands. The recent formation of tropical storm Dikeledi has necessitated a red alert to prepare residents for additional hurricanes, emphasizing the ongoing vulnerability of the territory. The population, primarily affected by Chido, reflects an urgency for preparedness in anticipation of Dikeledi’s potential impact, particularly in shantytowns devastated by prior storms.
In conclusion, the imminent arrival of storm Dikeledi poses a significant threat to the residents of Mayotte, still reeling from the impacts of Cyclone Chido. Authorities have issued a red alert to ensure preparedness and safety, mobilizing emergency resources to protect vulnerable areas. As the population braces for the storm, concerns over the potential for further disasters remain paramount, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and effective disaster response measures in the region.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
