Mayotte Reels from New Tropical Storm Dikeledi after Cyclone Chido’s Wrath

Mayotte is facing new challenges as Tropical Storm Dikeledi hits the islands, just weeks after Cyclone Chido devastated the region. Authorities have warned residents to stay indoors and prepare for severe weather, while emergency protocols are in place to assist those affected by the recent storms.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The French territory of Mayotte has been struck by a new tropical storm, Dikeledi, just weeks following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, which was described as the most severe storm to impact the islands in nearly a century. Authorities have mandated that residents remain indoors or seek solid shelter while they store essential supplies as heavy rains and strong winds approach the region. Dikeledi follows closely on the heels of Cyclone Chido, which resulted in at least 39 fatalities and left over 200 individuals missing as it made landfall in mid-December.

While Dikeledi initially struck Madagascar as a cyclone on Saturday, it had downgraded to a tropical storm upon reaching Mayotte on Sunday. The storm’s trajectory was projected to take it approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte, according to Meteo-France. However, officials expressed concern that Dikeledi could regain strength and develop back into a cyclone. The prefecture has issued a red alert for the islands, underlining the heightened risk of flooding and landslides.

In light of the previous cyclone’s aftermath, which saw widespread destruction, Mayotte has re-established cyclone shelters in schools and community centers. The international airport, which sustained significant damage during Cyclone Chido, remains closed until further notice. The French government has mobilized over 4,000 emergency personnel and security forces to assist in relief efforts, focusing on vulnerable areas significantly affected by the previous storm. Notably, the village of Mbouini, which had been spared during Cyclone Chido, has now suffered flooding and severe damage, leading residents to evacuate via wooden canoes as their homes were inundated.

Mayotte’s densely populated territory, with a population of 320,000, also hosts an estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants drawn by the prospects of the French welfare system. Following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, which has been cited as the worst in 90 years, authorities are facing challenges in assessing casualties, compounded by cultural practices regarding burials within 24 hours of death. Dikeledi is anticipated to drift south and east into the Indian Ocean, following its passage over Mayotte.

The Mayotte Islands are a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean, near the coast of Africa. Cyclone season in this region typically extends from November to April, during which time the area experiences a higher frequency of severe weather events including tropical storms and cyclones. The recent cyclone, Chido, marked a historic low for the territory, being classified as the worst cyclone in nearly a century, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The cumulative effects of such natural disasters have highlighted ongoing issues related to disaster preparedness and response in one of the European Union’s poorest regions.

In summary, the recent impact of Tropical Storm Dikeledi on Mayotte underscores the significant challenges faced by this French territory in the wake of Cyclone Chido’s recent devastation. With the heightened risk of flooding and landslides, local authorities are taking extensive measures to protect the community, including the establishment of emergency shelters and mobilization of personnel for recovery efforts. The ongoing repercussions of these severe weather events reveal the urgent need for sustainable disaster management strategies in Mayotte.

Original Source: www.the-journal.com