Tropical Storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte, causing heavy rains and three fatalities in Madagascar. The storm initially struck as a cyclone but weakened en route. Mayotte remains on alert, with significant mobilization for disaster response as Dikeledi may intensify again.
On Sunday, Tropical Storm Dikeledi was moving away from Mayotte after unleashing heavy rains and flash floods that resulted in three fatalities in Madagascar. Initially making landfall as a cyclone late Saturday, Dikeledi weakened into a severe tropical storm by the time it was 160 kilometers south of Mayotte on Sunday afternoon, per Meteo-France. The storm had passed around 100 kilometers south of Mayotte early Sunday morning, leading to a red alert for the territory as it braced for adverse weather conditions.
Mayotte, which has recently suffered significant devastation from another cyclone in December, prompting local concerns about further impact. Reports indicate that the northern province of Antsiranana in Madagascar experienced the most severe weather, resulting in casualties and affecting over 900 individuals. On Mayotte, wind gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour were anticipated, particularly in the southern region of the island. Amidst the alert, Mayotte’s residents were confined to their homes, yet some ventured out to secure their properties.
Authorities activated emergency measures, mobilizing over 4,000 personnel, including police and military units. Furthermore, eighty accommodation centers were established to assist approximately 14,500 displaced individuals. Looking ahead, forecasters suggest that Dikeledi may regain strength and be reclassified as a cyclone by Monday, with ongoing heavy rain expected in surrounding regions, including the Comoros and potentially Mozambique.
Tropical storms like Dikeledi pose significant dangers to island territories such as Mayotte and Madagascar, primarily by causing flooding and landslides. Mayotte, a French territory, has been particularly vulnerable to storms, having faced unprecedented devastation in December 2022 that resulted in extensive damage and a high death toll. The current situation highlights the ongoing threats posed by climate change and extreme weather events in the Indian Ocean region, as communities remain on high alert for further storm activity.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has posed severe challenges for the Indian Ocean territories, particularly affecting the residents of Madagascar and Mayotte. With reports of fatalities in Madagascar and community concerns in Mayotte, the situation continues to be monitored for its potential escalation. As the region prepares for possible reintensification of the storm, emergency response measures remain critical to safeguarding lives and minimizing damage.
Original Source: www.france24.com
