Mayotte is on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches following the devastation of Cyclone Chido. With emergency measures in place, authorities warn of potential mudslides and heavy rain. Recovery from the previous storm has been slow, exacerbating concerns as Dikeledi threatens to further impact the islands.
On Saturday, the French territory of Mayotte was placed on red alert due to the impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi, which is moving westward after making landfall in northern Madagascar. This alarming situation follows the devastation left by Cyclone Chido, which struck the islands last month, marking the worst storm in nearly a century. Authorities are mobilizing emergency services to safeguard the residents as Dikeledi is expected to hit Mayotte early Sunday, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The Prefecture of Mayotte reported that the red alert was issued at 10 p.m. local time, with Cyclone Dikeledi likely to weaken into a strong tropical storm as it approaches. However, meteorological reports indicate that the cyclone will still bring significant wind gusts of up to 110 kph (68 mph) and heavy downpours, posing risks of mudslides due to already saturated soil.
Mayotte has been struggling to recover from the previous storm, Cyclone Chido, which resulted in profound damage and a reported death toll of at least 39 individuals, with ongoing assessments suggesting that fatalities could rise significantly. Following Chido, Mayotte’s population of over 320,000, including approximately 100,000 migrants living in precarious conditions, faces further challenges as they prepare for yet another storm. Dikeledi is expected to pass about 75 kilometers (46 miles) south of Mayotte.
The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, spanning from November to April, has been particularly harsh in recent years, with Cyclone Idai in 2019 causing over 1,500 deaths across several countries. As Mayotte braces for Cyclone Dikeledi, the urgent focus remains on disaster preparedness and community safety amid the continuing threat of severe weather events.
Mayotte, an overseas department of France located in the Indian Ocean, has recently faced a series of devastating cyclones. Cyclone Chido, which struck last month, was particularly catastrophic, resulting in widespread destruction and casualties and highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Cyclone Dikeledi represents another challenge, threatening to exacerbate the already dire situation in Mayotte, where many residents live in poorly constructed housing that is ill-equipped to withstand such storms. The frequency and intensity of cyclones during the November to April season have raised concerns regarding climate change’s impact on the region, necessitating robust emergency response strategies.
In summary, Mayotte remains on high alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Chido just last month. While Dikeledi is not anticipated to be as powerful as its predecessor, it still presents significant risks, particularly with heavy rainfall and potential mudslides. With emergency services mobilized, the priority is to protect the vulnerable population as they contend with yet another severe weather threat.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
