Mayotte Faces New Tropical Storm Dikeledi After Recent Cyclone Devastation

Mayotte is under red alert following Tropical Storm Dikeledi’s arrival, which brought heavy rains and winds weeks after Cyclone Chido’s devastation. The storm has caused significant flooding in previously spared areas, and local authorities have mobilized emergency services while residents are advised to stay sheltered. Mayotte’s ongoing recovery is complicated by a high number of undocumented migrants and the recent impact of past cyclones.

Mayotte, France’s poorest department located in the Indian Ocean, faced a new threat as Tropical Storm Dikeledi arrived just weeks after Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in December. Following the red alert issued by local authorities, residents were instructed to remain in their homes, store food and water, and seek solid shelter as heavy rains and powerful winds plagued the islands once again. The archipelago had just commenced recovery efforts after Cyclone Chido, which resulted in 39 fatalities and left 5,000 individuals injured, with 200 people still reported missing.

The storm reached Mayotte on a diminished scale, having weakened from a cyclone before arrival. Nevertheless, the French meteorological service Météo-France cautioned that Dikeledi could regain strength, leading authorities to maintain the red alert. Due to the recent devastation, precautionary measures included reactivating cyclone shelters and mobilizing emergency services, particularly in vulnerable areas such as the capital, Mamoudzou.

Reports indicated particularly severe damage in Mbouini, a village that had previously been spared, which experienced significant flooding from Dikeledi. The residents of Mbouini were filmed escaping in wooden canoes as their homes succumbed to rising waters. Furthermore, Mayotte’s demographic situation, including numerous undocumented migrants seeking refuge, complicates the ongoing recovery efforts. In light of past cyclones, authorities have struggled to assess the full scope of the situation, particularly regarding the undocumented population impacted by Cyclone Chido, which constituted a significant humanitarian crisis.

The article addresses the precarious situation in Mayotte following the impact of Cyclone Chido in December and the arrival of Tropical Storm Dikeledi shortly after. Mayotte, an overseas department of France, struggles with socioeconomic challenges and faces recurring natural disasters during the cyclone season in the Indian Ocean. The region’s vulnerability is exacerbated by its poverty and the presence of undocumented migrants, complicating the recovery and relief efforts after severe weather events.

In conclusion, Mayotte’s plight highlights the recurring vulnerability of the region to severe weather events, further worsened by socioeconomic challenges. While the aftermath of Cyclone Chido is still being addressed, the arrival of Tropical Storm Dikeledi poses additional risks to the population, prompting emergency measures and persistent government vigilance. Efforts to provide aid and recovery services are essential to mitigate impact and support affected communities.

Original Source: www.euronews.com