Mayotte on High Alert as Tropical Storm Dikeledi Moves Away
Mayotte remains on high alert due to the threats posed by Tropical Storm Dikeledi, which recently caused severe flooding and destruction, first impacting Madagascar. Even though strong winds and rains linger, no casualties have been reported in Mayotte, while three fatalities were recorded in Madagascar. The territory is still recovering from last month’s devastating cyclone, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities and the increased need for storm preparedness.
Mayotte remains on high alert as a tropical storm poses ongoing threats to the region, trailing off from its recent impact that included severe flooding and rainfall. Despite moving away from the French territory, the storm, named Dikeledi, had already wreaked havoc, sustaining the archipelago’s history of weather-related disasters following prior cyclones. The territory’s Prefect, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, confirmed that no casualties had occurred on the island, although three individuals lost their lives in Madagascar due to the severe weather.
Officials reported that Mayotte has only recently retracted from the aftermath of a cyclone that occurred in mid-December, killing at least 39 persons. As of Saturday evening, Mayotte had been placed on red alert pending further evaluations of Dikeledi’s residual effects. With the storm’s passage leaving behind strong winds, torrential rain was particularly expressed in southern localities, disrupting normal activities and prompting emergency responses from local authorities.
Authorities revealed that flood waters had inundated several villages, inflicting damage on homes mainly in the southern region of Mayotte. Amidst intermittent weather disturbances concerning Dikeledi, the Prefect noted that the territory remains exceptionally delicate, pointing towards already existing structural vulnerabilities exacerbated by prior cyclonic conditions. Individuals in affected areas were instructed to remain indoors, with travel only permissible for emergency services and authorized personnel.
In contrast, Madagascar is currently grappling with the ramifications of Dikeledi, marking severe conditions noted particularly in the Antsiranana province where torrential rains caused casualties. More than 900 individuals across northern Madagascar have felt the storm’s impact, underscoring the pressing need for ongoing assistance within both territories as they navigate these challenging climatic adversities. The French government has mobilized over 4,000 personnel to assist within Mayotte, strategizing accommodations for those displaced by this hazardous situation.
Mayotte is a French overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean and faces regular challenges associated with severe weather. In recent months, the region has been dealing with multiple cyclones, including Cyclone Chido in December, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life. The current storm, Dikeledi, poses added risks as it transitions away from Mayotte but continues to threaten the infrastructure and safety of its residents. Many inhabitants live in vulnerable conditions, particularly in shanty towns which are less resistant to natural disasters. This background highlights the systemic issues faced by the territory regarding safety and emergency preparedness in the face of repeated climatic events.
The ongoing situation in Mayotte underscores the urgent need for comprehensive disaster resilience plans as the region faces repeated meteorological challenges. With the prior devastation from Cyclone Chido still fresh in memory, the recent tropical storm Dikeledi adds to the mounting pressures on the territory’s infrastructure and emergency services. The regional authorities continue to emphasize precautions while mobilizing resources to protect the most vulnerable populations as they deal with the aftermath of extreme weather conditions in the Indian Ocean.
Original Source: www.france24.com
