Mayotte Faces New Storm as Recovery from Devastating Cyclone Continues

Mayotte faces new threats from Tropical Storm Dikeledi, shortly after recovering from Cyclone Chido, which devastated the islands and caused multiple casualties. Residents have been ordered to remain indoors as authorities mobilize emergency services amidst the continuing risks of flooding and landslides. The situation is dire for the already vulnerable population, marking an urgent call for better disaster preparedness and governmental support in this French territory.

The island territory of Mayotte is once again under red alert as it faces the threat of a new tropical storm, Dikeledi, just weeks after recovering from Cyclone Chido, the most devastating storm to strike the region in almost a century. Tropical Storm Dikeledi, which made landfall on Sunday, brought heavy rain and strong winds, worsening the precarious situation for the residents who are still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido’s destruction, which claimed 39 lives and left over 200 missing. Authorities have urged citizens to remain indoors and seek solid shelter, while vital supplies of food and water are being replenished.

Dikeledi, initially a cyclone, weakened before reaching Mayotte but is still forecasted to regain strength. The situation is critical as flooding and landslides pose significant risks, prompting officials to mobilize emergency personnel across the island. The Mayotte Prefecture has reiterated warnings regarding the ongoing threat, advising that the calming weather would soon give way to violent conditions later in the day.

Shelters at community centers and schools have been reopened for those affected, as the territory continues to face hardships related to facilities and infrastructure ruined by Chido. The international airport remains closed, further complicating recovery efforts. This recent storm comes at a time when the population, approximately 320,000 with an additional 100,000 undocumented migrants, is already vulnerable due to ongoing economic challenges and accusations of neglect by the French government.

The French Interior Ministry has deployed over 4,000 emergency responders, particularly focused on the hardest-hit areas, such as Mamoudzou. The distressing images coming from Mayotte reveal the extent of the flooding, particularly in the village of Mbouini which was nearly destroyed by Dikeledi following Chido’s devastation. As the cyclonic weather persists, the region remains on high alert for potential future storms, highlighting the need for better preparedness and resilience measures in this vulnerable area of the Indian Ocean.

Mayotte is a French overseas department situated in the Indian Ocean, near the east coast of Africa. This territory has been grappling with severe weather events, which have intensified in frequency and magnitude in recent years. Hurricanes and cyclones during the cyclone season from November to April pose significant risks to the densely populated islands, particularly for their poorest communities who are often the most affected. Storm Chido, which struck last month, was the most devastating in close to a century and highlighted the vulnerabilities of this region and the local population’s reliance on external support for recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The repeated cyclonic activity in Mayotte serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the territory regarding climate resilience and disaster preparedness. As the local population continues to recover from Cyclone Chido, the impending threat of Tropical Storm Dikeledi exacerbates their plight. It underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure, better governmental support, and more robust emergency response mechanisms to safeguard their future against such natural disasters.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com