Mayotte has been placed on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches after impacting Madagascar. Emergency services are preparing to protect residents still recovering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido, which struck a month prior, causing significant fatalities and injuries. While Dikeledi is projected to weaken, it still presents risks of strong winds and heavy rain.
The French territory of Mayotte has been placed on red alert due to the imminent arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi, which is approaching the islands after making landfall in northern Madagascar. The Prefecture of Mayotte issued this warning late Saturday evening to ensure preparedness for the cyclone, which is expected to weaken into a strong tropical storm but still poses a significant threat with strong winds and heavy rain. Emergency services are mobilizing to safeguard the population as Dikeledi is forecasted to pass approximately 75 kilometers to the south of Mayotte.
This cyclone arrives at a critical time as Mayotte is still reeling from the impacts of Cyclone Chido, which struck the region just a month earlier. With a reported death toll of at least 39 people and over 2,000 injuries from Chido, the fallout from that storm remains fresh in the minds of the residents. The vulnerability of the population is exacerbated due to the high number of individuals living in precarious conditions, particularly in informal settlements that suffered the worst damage from the previous cyclone. Authorities remain vigilant regarding the possibility of additional mudslides caused by heavy rainfall expected with Dikeledi.
Cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean typically spans from November to April, and the region has been increasingly impacted by severe weather events in recent years. The devastation caused by significant storms such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, which impacted millions across multiple countries, underscores the need for robust preparedness and response strategies in the wake of such disasters. Fortunately, Dikeledi is not expected to reach the intensity of its predecessor, Cyclone Chido, though it still requires careful monitoring and readiness among emergency personnel.
Mayotte, a French overseas department situated in the southwestern Indian Ocean, is prone to cyclonic activity, particularly from November through April. This region has been hit hard by a series of cyclones in recent years, significantly impacting the largely vulnerable populations residing in informal settlements. Cyclone Chido was one of the most devastating storms to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, causing widespread damage and fatalities. The anticipation of Cyclone Dikeledi adds to the existing fears and concerns for the well-being of the residents still recovering from the previous storm’s destruction.
In conclusion, the issuance of a red alert for Cyclone Dikeledi highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Mayotte to cyclonic storms, particularly as the territory grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido. As emergency services prepare for potential impacts, residents remain on high alert for possible further disruptions to their lives, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness in this cyclone-prone region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
