Cyclone Dikeledi has wreaked havoc in Madagascar and Mayotte, with fatalities reported in Madagascar and evacuations in both regions. Heavy rains and landslides have resulted in significant infrastructure damage in Mayotte, while ongoing humanitarian efforts are underway.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has caused significant devastation as it approached the African mainland, with heavy rainfall and flooding reported in Madagascar. Over the weekend, at least three individuals lost their lives. The cyclone has also adversely affected Mayotte, the archipelagic nation of Comoros, and Mozambique, occurring shortly after Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on Mayotte last month.
Dikeledi emerged in the Southern Indian Ocean and intensified before making landfall in northern Madagascar on January 11. According to a report from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), more than 15,000 individuals have been displaced in northern Madagascar, while around 20,000 residents of Mayotte have been compelled to evacuate due to the storm’s impact.
Upon reaching Mayotte on January 12, although Dikeledi had slightly weakened, the territory experienced powerful winds, flash floods, and landslides, contributing to infrastructure damage. In particular, Mbouini village, previously spared from Cyclone Chido, was inundated with rain.
A local resident expressed their distress, stating they were “traumatized” by both Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, highlighting concerns over potential further impacts during the ongoing rainy season. Though no casualties have been reported in Mayotte from Dikeledi, French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, remarked, “Mayotte faced an intense tropical storm. The impact was violent.”
Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, confirmed the ongoing danger, noting, “We still have extremely strong winds and rainfall that is just as strong.” The ECHO report forecasts that Cyclone Dikeledi may intensify as it moves southward, posing additional threats to Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, and Mozambique over the next few days.
Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte recently, was the strongest cyclone to hit the territory in over 90 years, claiming at least 36 lives. Additionally, over 120 fatalities were recorded in Mozambique. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has initiated response efforts in Madagascar, providing emergency assistance to affected households.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has caused substantial destruction across several regions in southeastern Africa, with Madagascar and Mayotte particularly impacted. The storm led to the evacuation of thousands and infrastructure damage in Mayotte, following the catastrophic effects of Cyclone Chido earlier this year. Ongoing humanitarian efforts are essential to address the needs of those affected, as the situation remains precarious with further storms anticipated.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
