Storm Dikeledi Moves From Mayotte, Leaves Three Dead in Madagascar

A storm named Dikeledi moved away from Mayotte, causing three fatalities in Madagascar due to torrential rains and flash floods. The cyclone had recently made landfall on Madagascar’s northern coast before weakening. Mayotte, currently under red alert, is experiencing intensified rain and wind as the region faces potential future impacts from the storm.

On Sunday, a tropical storm named Dikeledi moved away from Mayotte, after causing severe flash floods and heavy rain in Madagascar, where three fatalities were reported. The storm made landfall on Madagascar’s northern coast as a cyclone on Saturday evening before weakening. As of 3:36 PM local time, it was located 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, continuing to shift direction. The island had previously been placed on red alert, reflecting concerns from residents still recovering from previous devastating storms.

The cyclone’s impact was most prominently felt in the Antsiranana province of Madagascar, prompting local officials to report that over 900 individuals were affected by the torrential rains and resulting infrastructure damage. With wind gusts reaching 80-90 kilometers per hour projected in Mayotte, residents expressed anxiety over the storm’s potential to exacerbate existing hardships. Some attempted to secure their homes against the expected conditions despite the enforced ban on movement during the red alert.

Despite these fears, the government mobilized over 4,000 personnel from various emergency services, and temporary shelters were established to accommodate the displaced. Meteo-France indicated that Dikeledi could potentially intensify back into a cyclone as it progresses towards Mozambique’s Nampula province.

Local sentiment is notably apprehensive following the devastation of December’s cyclone, where damage was rampant, killing at least 39 people and injuring over 5,600. Residents of Mayotte remain cautious as they brace for additional rain and wind, revealing the lasting impact of such devastating weather events on the region.

The recent tropical storm Dikeledi, which evolved from a powerful cyclone, highlights the vulnerability of island regions such as Mayotte and Madagascar to extreme weather events. Historically, tropical cyclones have posed serious risks to these areas, leading to loss of life and extensive damage. The storm occurred less than a month after an unprecedented cyclone in December that resulted in significant fatalities and injuries. Such recurring weather patterns underscore the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the necessity for robust disaster management and preparedness measures in affected communities.

The recent movements of Storm Dikeledi away from Mayotte have sparked serious concern for the residents of both Mayotte and Madagascar. With three people reported dead in Madagascar due to the storm’s effects, and Mayotte still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating cyclone just weeks prior, the need for ongoing vigilance persists. Emergency services remain mobilized to address the situation as the storm intensifies; residents are urged to take precautions and remain aware of further developments.

Original Source: www.france24.com