Mayotte is on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches after the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. Dikeledi is anticipated to bring heavy rain and strong winds, increasing the risk of mudslides. This comes in the wake of Cyclone Chido, which left significant destruction and casualties in Mayotte. Authorities remain vigilant to protect the population as they brace for the cyclone’s impact.
Mayotte has been placed on red alert once again due to the approach of Cyclone Dikeledi. This warning, issued by the Prefecture of Mayotte, comes following the significant damage caused by Cyclone Chido a month prior, which is recorded as the worst cyclone in nearly a century for the region. Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in northern Madagascar and is expected to reach Mayotte soon, prompting emergency services and law enforcement to be on high alert to protect local residents.
The French meteorological service, Meteo, anticipates that Dikeledi will bring with it heavy rains and strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 110 kph (68 mph). Although it is estimated to pass approximately 75 kilometers (46 miles) south of Mayotte, there is concern about potential mudslides due to the rain. Furthermore, the cyclone is expected to weaken into a strong tropical storm by the time it approaches the islands.
Mayotte is still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which inflicted severe damage on the densely populated archipelago home to over 320,000 individuals. The storm claimed at least 39 lives and injured more than 2,000 people. The French government has warned that the final death toll may rise significantly, with estimates suggesting it could be in the hundreds. The precarious living conditions in shantytowns have exacerbated the cyclone’s impact on the population.
November to April marks cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, with the region frequently facing severe storms. Recent years have seen a series of strong cyclones, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in over 1,500 fatalities across several countries in the region. Their frequency raises concerns about the increasing vulnerability of the islands and surrounding areas.
Mayotte is a French overseas territory located off the east coast of Africa, characterized by its dense population and significant number of migrants. The area frequently experiences cyclones, particularly during the southern hemisphere’s cyclone season from November to April. The severe impacts of these storms, particularly Cyclone Chido, necessitate effective emergency response and heightened precautionary measures to safeguard the local population. The recurring nature of these cyclones highlights the region’s challenges in disaster preparedness and recovery.
In summary, Mayotte faces a critical situation as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, compounding the challenges post-Cyclone Chido. With emergency services mobilized, authorities are striving to mitigate risks associated with strong winds and rain. It underscores the importance of ongoing support and resilience-building measures for this vulnerable region as cyclone season persists.
Original Source: apnews.com
