Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck near Mayotte on January 12, 2025, shortly after Cyclone Chido’s devastation. Dikeledi brought heavy rain and strong winds, prompting a red alert and extensive flooding, particularly in Mbouini. Authorities mobilized thousands in response to the crisis, raising concerns for the region as the storm moves southward, potentially regaining strength.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi has passed Mayotte, leaving behind significant rainfall and strong winds that impacted the French Indian Ocean territory on January 12, 2025. This weather event follows closely behind Cyclone Chido, which wreaked havoc in the region less than a month prior, resulting in the loss of lives and destruction. Before striking Mayotte, Dikeledi caused flash floods in Madagascar, leading to fatalities and the displacement of residents, highlighting the storm’s severity as it swept across the region.
Upon nearing Mayotte, Storm Dikeledi was recorded to be 100 kilometers south of the territory, generating winds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. According to the local meteorological office, it had moved to 160 kilometers south by mid-afternoon, continuing its trajectory away from Mayotte. The village of Mbouini faced extensive flooding, prompting a red alert that led to the opening of 80 cyclone shelters, providing refuge for over 14,500 individuals affected by the storm.
In response to the crisis, French authorities deployed over 4,000 personnel, including police and military, to manage the aftermath of the storm, focusing on clearing debris and restoring accessibility to affected areas. Residents were instructed to remain indoors under the red alert due to potential hazards from flooding and landslides. As Dikeledi progresses southward, predictions from Meteo-France suggest it might regain strength, raising concerns for nearby Mozambique and the Comoros islands, which are also anticipated to experience heavy rainfall.
The region surrounding Mayotte has been significantly impacted by severe weather events recently, most notably Cyclone Chido in December 2024. Cyclone Chido has been characterized as the most destructive in 90 years for Mayotte, sparking concerns about governmental response and preparedness in extreme weather scenarios. The aftermath of such storms often leads to considerable loss of life, widespread damage to infrastructure, and heightened vulnerability for local populations, particularly in poverty-stricken areas.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi’s effects on Mayotte serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by this region in the wake of natural disasters. The rapid succession of severe weather events has placed immense strain on local resources and response systems, necessitating continued support and preparedness measures to safeguard lives and properties against future storms.
Original Source: euroweeklynews.com
