Mayotte is on red alert as it braces for Storm Dikeledi, which is expected to bring intense rainfall and high winds, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. Strong rain and wind pose threats that may lead to floods and landslides. Authorities have mobilized emergency personnel and advised residents to secure their safety and supplies in anticipation of the storm’s impacts.
Residents of Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, are currently on high alert as they prepare for a severe tropical storm, named Dikeledi, that is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds following the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. Authorities officially issued a red alert, commencing Saturday evening, in anticipation of Dikeledi’s approach, which is projected to be approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte. The cyclone that impacted Madagascar has since weakened but is predicted to intensify again as it nears Mayotte.
Meteo-France has advised of the possibility of dangerous weather conditions, including wind gusts reaching 90 kilometers per hour and significant rainfall that could lead to flash floods and landslides. Manuel Valls, the French overseas territories minister, emphasized the need for residents to protect themselves and their families as Mayotte continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which claimed the lives of at least 39 individuals and left thousands injured.
In response to this storm threat, the government’s focus has shifted towards ensuring public safety. Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville stated that the red alert was issued urgently, directing residents to seek shelter. The interior ministry has deployed over 4,000 personnel, including police and military members, to assist in the efforts. Additionally, emergency accommodation centers, utilizing schools and gyms, are being reopened to provide refuge to those affected by the previous cyclone.
Cyclone Chido was the most catastrophic storm to strike Mayotte in nearly a century, leading to widespread destruction and a significant loss of life in mid-December. The population of Mayotte, officially around 320,000, is augmented by an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented individuals who reside in fragile shantytowns, which were particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides. The territory has not yet fully recovered from the extensive damages inflicted by Chido, creating heightened concerns regarding the additional impacts of the approaching storm, Dikeledi. Local leaders and emergency services are on alert to avert further disaster as they navigate the recovery process.
The looming threat of Storm Dikeledi poses considerable challenges for the residents of Mayotte, remaining still fragile after the recent complexities of Cyclone Chido. Authorities have taken necessary steps, including issuing a red alert and mobilizing emergency services, to mitigate the risks. With significant threats of flooding and landslides on the horizon, the community’s resilience is once again being tested in the wake of nature’s fury. Preparedness is critical as Mayotte faces another potential crisis.
Original Source: www.france24.com
