The Mayotte islands were struck by Tropical Storm Dikeledi on January 12, 2025, after suffering extensive damage from Cyclone Chido in December 2024. Authorities ordered residents to stay indoors and opened shelters as heavy rains and winds threatened flood risks. Over 4,000 emergency personnel were deployed following the recent cyclone’s devastation, which resulted in numerous casualties and ongoing relief efforts.
On January 12, 2025, France’s Mayotte islands faced the wrath of another tropical storm, Tropical Storm Dikeledi, just weeks following Cyclone Chido, which was the worst cyclone to strike the islands in nearly a century. Authorities have issued orders for residents to stay sheltered and prepare supplies as the storm brought heavy rainfall and extreme winds to the impoverished French territory located in the Indian Ocean. The recent cyclone on December 14, 2024, resulted in at least 39 fatalities, with over 200 individuals reported missing and more than 5,000 injured.
Dikeledi transitioned from cyclone status after passing Madagascar and weakened before reaching Mayotte. Meteo-France indicated that the storm’s center would stay approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte, yet authorities warned of potential flooding and landslides, maintaining a red alert status. The prefecture emphasized the ongoing risk to the population and reinstated evacuation shelters for residents in distress.
Emergency mobilizations were undertaken, with over 4,000 personnel deployed in response to the incoming storm. Areas severely impacted by Cyclone Chido, particularly around the capital Mamoudzou, directed the majority of these efforts. Despite earlier protections, the village of Mbouini, initially spared, experienced significant flooding due to Dikeledi, leading to residents evacuating via wooden canoes.
Ultimately, the region continues to face challenges with recurring severe weather and the aftermath of Cyclone Chido’s devastation, which claimed over 39 lives and may result in a higher death toll due to difficulties in reporting casualties, especially among undocumented migrants. As cyclone season persists, heightened vigilance remains imperative in the fragile context of Mayotte.
The Mayotte islands, a French overseas territory, are situated in the Indian Ocean and are notably the poorest department in the European Union. The islands have recently experienced severe weather events that have triggered natural disasters, particularly cyclones. Cyclone Chido, which struck in December 2024, caused catastrophic damage and loss of life, leading to ongoing recovery efforts. The consequences of these storms are exacerbated by the socio-economic challenges faced by the island’s densely populated communities, many of whom are undocumented migrants seeking better living conditions.
In conclusion, the Mayotte islands are grappling with the devastating effects of repeated tropical storms, necessitating urgent humanitarian responses. The communities, still recovering from the severe impacts of Cyclone Chido, face a renewed threat from Tropical Storm Dikeledi, underscoring the importance of timely emergency management and support. As the cyclone season progresses, it is crucial for local and international authorities to provide ongoing assistance to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters and safeguard vulnerable populations.
Original Source: halifax.citynews.ca
