Cyclone Dikeledi Moves Away from Mayotte, Leaves Three Dead in Madagascar

Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte and is currently a severe tropical storm affecting Madagascar, where it has caused three fatalities and widespread flooding. The French authorities have issued a red alert for Mayotte, mobilizing emergency services to assist in the aftermath. Local residents express ongoing concerns following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido in December.

Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte as of Sunday, yet the archipelago remains under a red alert until Monday evening. The cyclone, which made landfall on the northern coast of Madagascar on Saturday evening, has resulted in significant flash floods, leading to the deaths of at least three individuals in Madagascar. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) confirmed that tragically, three people lost their lives due to the torrential rains that affected the region. Over 900 individuals have also been reported displaced due to the storm’s impact.

Initially classified as a cyclone, Dikeledi weakened into a severe tropical storm as it progressed, passing approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte early Sunday morning. Despite the threat diminishing, local authorities have enforced strict measures, including a ban on all movement apart from that of authorized personnel. In anticipation of the cyclone’s arrival, Mayotte had been placed on red alert the previous evening, a response to the concern for safety given the recent devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido in December, which resulted in considerable loss of life and property.

In Mayotte, rainfall reached velocities of up to 90 kilometers per hour, particularly affecting the southern regions of the archipelago. Local residents expressed their anxiety regarding the ongoing storm, recalling the catastrophic effects of the prior cyclone, particularly in the village of Mbouini which had previously escaped significant damage. In addition to the alert status, the French government mobilized over 4,000 officials for emergency responses, establishing accommodations for up to 14,500 displaced residents. Furthermore, forecasts indicate that Cyclone Dikeledi may regain classification as a cyclone on Monday as it continues to affect nearby regions, including the Comoros and potentially Mozambique.

Cyclone Dikeledi represents the latest in a series of weather-related disasters impacting the Indian Ocean territories, particularly Mayotte and Madagascar. Mayotte is France’s poorest overseas department, with a population primarily composed of both documented and undocumented residents. The region has faced a cycle of severe cyclones, with recent historical events exemplified by Cyclone Chido in December, which had devastating effects, prompting local authorities to take robust preventive measures against future storms. The presence of cyclones in this region demonstrates the vulnerability of these territories to extreme weather events exacerbated by broader climatic changes.

In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte but has already caused tragic fatalities in Madagascar and significant disruption in both regions. With the authority’s red alert and mobilization of emergency services, local communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the storm, keenly aware of the potential for further weather disturbances. As forecasts predict the reclassification of Dikeledi into a cyclone, the vigilance of the authorities and the resilience of the affected populations remain paramount in navigating this crisis.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr