Storm Dikeledi Moves Away from Mayotte, Impacting Madagascar with Fatalities
A tropical storm named Dikeledi has shifted away from Mayotte, causing three deaths in Madagascar due to torrential rains. The storm was initially a cyclone that impacted the northern region of Madagascar. While Mayotte experienced heavy winds and rain, local authorities mobilized over 4,000 personnel and established shelters for displaced individuals. Further intensification of the storm is anticipated.
The tropical storm named Dikeledi has now moved away from Mayotte, following a path that severely affected Madagascar, resulting in three fatalities due to torrential rains and flash floods. Dikeledi struck Madagascar’s northern coastline as a cyclone before being downgraded to a severe tropical storm. By Sunday afternoon, the storm was reported to be 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, having previously passed about 100 kilometers to the south early that morning.
Mayotte had been placed on red alert due to forecasts of the approaching storm. This latest weather event comes after a devastating cyclone in December, which caused extensive damage and claimed at least 39 lives. The Antsiranana province in Madagascar experienced the worst effects, with over 900 individuals affected by the inundations. Local residents expressed apprehension about the impact of Dikeledi, recalling the destruction from December’s cyclone.
As heavy winds and rain continued in Mayotte, gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour were anticipated, particularly in the southern parts of the island. While restrictions were in place preventing residents from moving, reports emerged of individuals venturing outdoors. In total, more than 4,000 personnel, including police and military, have been mobilized for rescue efforts, and 80 accommodation centers have been organized to support approximately 14,500 displaced individuals.
Meteo-France has indicated that Dikeledi is predicted to intensify in the coming hours, with potential reclassification back to cyclone status early in the week. In neighboring regions such as the Comoros and Mozambique, heavy rainfall and storms are also expected, raising additional concerns about the ongoing impact of this severe weather event.
Weather patterns in the Indian Ocean frequently lead to the formation of tropical storms and cyclones, particularly impacting island nations such as Mayotte and Madagascar. Each year, the region braces for potential disasters associated with cyclonic activity, which can lead to significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. The recent storm, Dikeledi, follows closely on the heels of a prior catastrophic cyclone, highlighting the vulnerability of these territories to extreme weather events. The local and international response involves emergency preparedness and community resilience efforts.
In summary, the storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte after causing significant rainfall that resulted in three deaths in Madagascar. Mayotte remains under precautionary measures as the region braces for further potential storms. The coordination of rescue efforts and the establishment of accommodation centers reflects the urgent response required in such weather-related crises.
Original Source: www.france24.com
