Mayotte Under Red Alert as Cyclone Dikeledi Approaches Following Severe Storm Damage

Mayotte is on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches the islands, following the devastation from Cyclone Chido a month prior. The Prefecture warns of potentially strong winds and heavy rain, increasing risks of mudslides. Recovery efforts from Chido remain ongoing, complicating the new threat. Emergency services are prepared to protect the population, underscoring the precarious situation facing the territory during cyclone season.

The French territory of Mayotte is currently under a red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following devastating impacts from Cyclone Chido just a month prior. On Saturday, the Prefecture of Mayotte issued the alert around 10 PM local time, anticipating Dikeledi’s arrival, which made landfall in Madagascar earlier that day. Although Dikeledi is expected to weaken to a strong tropical storm, gusts could still reach 110 kph (68 mph), bringing heavy rainfall and heightened risks of mudslides to the islands.

The region grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, marking the worst storm to affect Mayotte in nearly a century. The cyclone resulted in significant destruction, causing at least 39 fatalities and injuring over 2,000 residents. Concerns linger as Prime Minister François Bayrou indicated that the death toll could rise significantly once all assessments are completed, especially considering the damage to precarious neighborhoods.

As Dikeledi moves westward toward Mayotte, authorities remain vigilant. Emergency services are on high alert, working to safeguard the population. The French meteorological service has warned that despite Dikeledi’s anticipated weakening, strong winds and heavy rainfall are imminent, increasing the risk of mudslides in the already vulnerable areas.

The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, spanning from November to April, has seen increased cyclone activity in recent years. Past cyclones, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, have highlighted the critical challenges faced by the region, with Idai resulting in over 1,500 deaths across multiple countries including Madagascar and Mozambique. As Mayotte braces for the impending storm, the community faces a precarious situation amid ongoing recovery from previous disasters.

Mayotte, a densely populated French territory located off the east coast of Africa, recently faced unprecedented challenges due to severe cyclones. Cyclone Chido decimated the islands, marking the worst storm in nearly 100 years, leading to numerous fatalities and displacements. The recent arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi poses an additional threat, further complicating recovery efforts for the local population and raising significant concerns about public safety and infrastructure resilience. Cyclone season typically spans from November to April in this region, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events emphasizes the urgent need for preparedness and effective response strategies.

In conclusion, Mayotte’s situation remains critical as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Chido. The local authorities are mobilizing emergency services to mitigate risks and protect the vulnerable population, particularly in areas hardest hit by previous storms. The ongoing cyclone season underscores the heightened vulnerability of this region to extreme weather, necessitating ongoing vigilance and preparedness to safeguard the lives of its residents.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com