Mayotte Prepares for Storm Dikeledi Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation

Mayotte is bracing for Storm Dikeledi less than a month after being struck by Cyclone Chido. Authorities have issued a red alert due to expected severe weather conditions, including heavy rains and strong winds. The population has been advised to remain vigilant and stock up on supplies as emergency services prepare for potential evacuations and shelter provisions in response to the latest storm warning.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, Mayotte, a French overseas territory, is preparing for another severe storm, Dikeledi, anticipated to bring strong winds and significant rainfall. Authorities have urged extreme caution as the storm, currently about 100 kilometers south of the island, may be classified as a cyclone as it approaches. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and secure necessary supplies, recalling the recent devastation that resulted in 39 fatalities and thousands of injuries from Cyclone Chido. The local government has mobilized over 4,000 personnel, including police and military, to assist during this time of heightened alert.

The French weather service, Meteo-France, has warned of potential flash floods and landslides due to heavy rains, alongside predicted wind gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour. Mayotte’s prefect has initiated a red weather alert to ensure residents have ample time to take shelter ahead of the storm’s impact.

In light of the recent cyclone’s terrifying effects, many residents express concerns for their safety and that of their families, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the community, especially among those in vulnerable living conditions. Emergency accommodations are being prepared for those affected, with a focus on protecting the most at-risk populations.

Mayotte, officially known as a French department, has a history of being vulnerable to severe weather events, primarily cyclones. The territory is economically disadvantaged compared to mainland France, and its infrastructure often struggles to cope with the aftermath of such natural disasters. The recent Cyclone Chido caused considerable damage, marking the most severe storm in nearly a century, and left the local population in precarious conditions. With a significant number of undocumented individuals also residing in the area, the impact of subsequent weather events can be magnified. The impending threat from Storm Dikeledi adds urgency to the recovery efforts as Mayotte still grapples with the consequences of Chido. In response to these challenges, local and national authorities are mobilizing resources, urging community preparedness, and planning for potential evacuations and shelter accommodations.

The situation in Mayotte remains precarious as residents brace for Storm Dikeledi following the recent devastation of Cyclone Chido. With weather forecasts predicting dangerous conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, local authorities are emphasizing the need for extreme vigilance and preparedness. The mobilization of emergency services serves to underscore the seriousness of the threat as the community continues to recover from recent calamities and prepares for potential further challenges ahead.

Original Source: www.france24.com