Mayotte Islands Under Red Alert as Tropical Storm Dikeledi Approaches Following Cyclone Devastation

Mayotte islands are on red alert due to Tropical Storm Dikeledi, just weeks after the severe damage from Cyclone Chido. Authorities have advised residents to find shelter and secure supplies amid warnings of floods and landslides. The ongoing recovery efforts after Chido, which killed at least 39 people, are complicated by new storms as emergency services mobilize for further disasters.

The Mayotte islands, part of France, are under red alert due to the approach of Tropical Storm Dikeledi, just weeks after suffering from the catastrophic effects of Cyclone Chido, the worst storm in nearly a century. The French territory is urging inhabitants to remain indoors or seek appropriate shelter, while gathering essential supplies as Dikeledi brings heavy rain and strong winds to the region. Many areas are still recovering from last month’s cyclone which saw significant destruction, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of assistance.

Tropical Storm Dikeledi, which weakened from a cyclone before reaching Mayotte, is poised to cause severe weather including flooding and landslides. The regional weather service has warned that Dikeledi could regain cyclone strength. The Mayotte Prefecture stressed that the dangers to the population remain significant and has set up cyclone shelters for the vulnerable.

After the extensive devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, where at least 39 lives were lost and hundreds are still unaccounted for, the situation remains critical. Following Chido’s impact, an angry response from local residents surfaced during a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron, with complaints of long-standing neglect from the government toward the islands, the poorest region in the European Union. Over 4,000 emergency workers have been mobilized to prepare for Dikeledi’s impact, especially in the areas heavily affected by Chido.

Efforts to keep residents safe are ongoing, with schools and community centers opening as emergency shelters due to the impending risk from Dikeledi. Reports indicate that even previously unscathed locales like the village of Mbouini have faced severe flooding due to this latest storm. In total, Mayotte has a population of approximately 320,000, with an additional estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants seeking refuge. Recent storms serve as a grim reminder of the cyclone season, which continues until April, posing a recurrent threat to this vulnerable region.

The Mayotte islands, situated in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, are an overseas department of France. Recently, these islands have experienced unprecedented weather events, marked by the recent devastation from Cyclone Chido, which has necessitated extensive recovery operations. The threat of subsequent storms like Dikeledi continues to jeopardize the recovery efforts and the safety of the residents. The islands’ geographical location makes them susceptible to cyclones, particularly during the cyclone season that spans from November to April. Socioeconomic challenges, exacerbated by the presence of a significant undocumented population, add further complexity to the ongoing humanitarian crisis following these natural disasters.

In summary, the Mayotte islands are facing another potential crisis as Tropical Storm Dikeledi approaches, following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido just weeks earlier. The red alert issued by officials underlines the dangers posed by flooding and landslides in the already vulnerable territory. As the local government mobilizes emergency responders and shelters, the need for swift recovery and support for the inhabitants remains crucial, especially given the historical neglect pointed out by the residents. The resilience of the Mayotte population is being put to the test as they navigate these compounding challenges.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com