Mayotte prepares for the arrival of Storm Dikeledi, prompting authorities to initiate a cyclone pre-alert. With expected high winds and heavy rainfall, residents are advised to secure sturdy shelters and stock up on food and water. This follows the devastation caused by the most severe cyclone in decades, which resulted in numerous fatalities and extensive damage.
Residents of Mayotte, a French overseas territory severely impacted by a previous cyclone, are being urged to prepare for the imminent arrival of another tropical storm, named Dikeledi. As of 0800 GMT on Friday, the Mayotte prefecture has issued a cyclone pre-alert due to the storm’s projected path, which will see it crossing Madagascar on Saturday before veering towards the island. The prefecture has warned that Mayotte should expect fierce winds reaching 50-60 km/h and gusts between 90-100 km/h, compounded by a risk of coastal flooding over the weekend due to rising tide levels and rough seas.
Mayotte is situated in the Indian Ocean and has recently endured the most catastrophic cyclone in nine decades, resulting in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage. The cyclone, which struck in mid-December, claimed at least 39 lives and left many others injured, marking a severe humanitarian crisis in one of France’s economically disadvantaged regions. The territory finds itself vulnerable to natural disasters owing to its geographical positioning and climatic conditions, making the threat from tropical storms particularly concerning.
As the residents of Mayotte brace for the approach of Storm Dikeledi, it is crucial for them to take necessary precautions by securing shelter and stocking up on essential supplies. The cyclone pre-alert highlights the ongoing vulnerability of this region to extreme weather, following recent devastating events. The community’s resilience will be tested once again as they face potential substantial impacts from this impending storm.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
