Mayotte is preparing for the approaching storm Dikeledi, only weeks after Cyclone Chido caused significant damage. Authorities have issued a red alert, cautioning residents about possible flooding and landslides. Officials stress the importance of preparedness as the storm may regain intensity, further stressing the area still recovering from the last cyclone’s devastation.
Mayotte, still reeling from the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, is preparing for the impending arrival of a new storm named Dikeledi, which is anticipated to exacerbate the precarious situation. The French territorial authorities have issued a red alert as of Saturday evening to ensure residents take necessary precautions for the potentially severe weather conditions that could arise, including strong winds and heavy rainfall. This latest storm poses a risk of worsening the vulnerability of the local population, many of whom remain unsettled since the previous cyclone’s devastation.
As Dikeledi approaches, the French weather service, Meteo-France, has cautioned that it could escalate into a cyclone by Monday morning, following its recent classification as a severe tropical storm after impacting Madagascar. Authorities have urged extreme vigilance, emphasizing the necessity for residents to stock up on essential supplies, as substantial rainfall may lead to flash floods and landslides in various regions of Mayotte. Local officials are mobilizing response efforts, including the reopening of emergency shelters to assist those displaced during Cyclone Chido’s impact last month.
Following the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido, which led to the deaths of at least 39 individuals and left thousands injured, Mayotte’s officials are keenly aware of the risks posed by the new storm. Manuel Valls, the Minister for Overseas Territories, stated, “Nothing is being left to chance,” reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and preparedness. Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville has instructed mayors to reactivate shelter facilities for residents as authorities continue to assess the potential hazards of this moist tropical storm, which is expected to unload heavy rain across Mayotte.
With a population that includes a significant number of undocumented residents living in fragile conditions, many individuals are expressing their concerns about the impact of Dikeledi. One resident, Ismahane, conveyed her worry regarding the storm, stating, “We are still not fully recovered, and I do not know if we are going to make it or not.” This sentiment underscores the cumulative impact of consecutive natural disasters on the socio-economic stability of the region.
In light of these developments, Mayotte’s administration is focusing on safeguarding public health and safety while addressing the needs of its vulnerable populations. The mobilization of over 4,000 personnel, including police and military units, demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster management. With ongoing community support and preparation, Mayotte aims to mitigate the effects of the impending storm and protect its residents as best as possible.
In mid-December, Mayotte suffered extensive damage due to Cyclone Chido, regarded as the most severe storm in the area in nearly a century, which caused tragic loss of life and extensive injuries. This recent cyclone’s aftermath left many residents displaced and vulnerable, particularly in informal settlements. As the territory braces for the new storm Dikeledi, officials are on high alert given the potential for heightened rainfall and flooding, challenging recovery efforts from the previous cyclone. Weather patterns in the Indian Ocean have proven unpredictable, with the chance for storms to intensify suddenly, necessitating stringent precautionary measures.
Mayotte faces a precarious situation as it prepares for the storm Dikeledi following the devastation of Cyclone Chido. With warnings of significant rainfall and potential cyclone reclassification, authorities are implementing extreme vigilance and mobilizing resources to safeguard the population. Residents are urged to take precautions as the community grapples with the continuing impacts of these severe weather events.
Original Source: www.france24.com
