Mayotte Faces New Tropical Storm Dikeledi Amid Recovery from Cyclone Chido

Mayotte is grappling with new challenges as Tropical Storm Dikeledi strikes the territory just weeks after Cyclone Chido devastated the islands. Residents were warned to prepare for potential flooding and seek shelter, as authorities mobilized emergency services to tackle the aftermath of the storms. The community remains precariously positioned amid ongoing recovery efforts as they face another severe weather event.

On January 12, 2023, the French territory of Mayotte faced a new tropical storm, Dikeledi, just weeks after a devastating cyclone swept through the islands. The residents were advised to stay indoors and prepare for potential flooding and landslides, as the storm brought heavy rains and strong winds. Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, is still recovering from Cyclone Chido, which struck on December 14, causing significant destruction, claiming at least 39 lives, and leaving hundreds missing.

Dikeledi, having weakened from its earlier status as a cyclone over Madagascar, posed a renewed threat as it approached Mayotte, prompting local authorities to issue red alerts. The Mayotte Prefecture highlighted ongoing dangers to the populace while reopening cyclone shelters for those impacted by the storms. After enduring severe damage during Chido, the community faced the harsh reality of another disaster, increasing their vulnerabilities amidst ongoing infrastructure challenges, particularly within shantytowns.

French emergency services mobilized over 4,000 personnel to prepare for Dikeledi’s impact, focusing on vulnerable areas. Reports indicate that the village of Mbouini, previously spared from Chido, suffered substantial flooding from Dikeledi. Mayotte’s population, estimated at around 320,000, includes many undocumented migrants, exacerbating the struggles faced in the aftermath of these storms.

Mayotte is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa and serves as a French overseas department. The region has recently been afflicted by increasingly severe weather, with Cyclone Chido being the worst in nearly a century, resulting in significant loss of life and property. Cyclone season, from November to April, brings expectations of frequent storms, which have historically had devastating effects, including previous incidents like Cyclone Idai in 2019. The unique socio-political context of Mayotte, including a high population of undocumented migrants, further complicates recovery efforts following natural disasters, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure and governmental support.

The recent emergence of Tropical Storm Dikeledi further complicates recovery efforts in Mayotte after the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. With a population already vulnerable due to the previous crisis, local authorities and emergency services are working diligently to ensure safety and provide necessary resources for those impacted. As the cyclone season continues, the lessons learned from these disasters call for improved support and infrastructure in this struggling territory.

Original Source: www.latestly.com