Mayotte is on high alert for Cyclone Dikeledi, expected to pass near the archipelago after Cyclone Chido caused severe impacts last month. Winds of 50-120 km/h are forecasted, with potential coastal flooding risks. Emergency accommodations are being reopened for thousands still displaced from prior storm damage.
Mayotte, a French overseas department, is bracing for the impact of Cyclone Dikeledi, which is anticipated to pass perilously close to the archipelago, approximately 75 kilometers to the south. As reported by Minister of Overseas Territories Manuel Valls, the island was elevated from an orange alert to a high red alert on Saturday evening due to worsening weather conditions. This comes shortly after the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, which occurred a month prior, resulting in extensive damage and significant loss of life.
The weather agency Météo France forecasts winds averaging between 50 to 60 kilometers per hour across Mayotte, with stronger gusts potentially reaching between 100 and 120 kilometers per hour, particularly affecting southern areas. Authorities have warned of coastal flooding risks, leading to the suspension of local ferry services. Following Cyclone Chido, which was the most destructive storm the region has faced in decades, thousands of residents are still displaced and relying on temporary accommodation and donations for basic necessities.
In response to the impending storm, local officials have been instructed to reopen accommodation centers, including schools and municipal facilities, which had previously housed up to 15,000 individuals during Cyclone Chido. Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville emphasized the heightened risk of mudslides, noting that while Cyclone Chido was characterized by minimal rainfall, the impending storm is expected to bring considerable precipitation. Residents have been urged to secure shelter and prepare essential supplies such as food and water to endure the approaching cyclone.
The impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi poses a significant threat to Mayotte, a small archipelago located in the Indian Ocean that has recently suffered catastrophic damage from Cyclone Chido. The sequence of storms has left the local infrastructure strained and thousands displaced. Approximately 320,000 people reside officially in Mayotte, but there exist significant numbers of undocumented individuals residing in vulnerable conditions, particularly in makeshift housing destroyed during prior storms. The situation is critical, necessitating rapid disaster response and weather preparedness to mitigate further loss and damage.
In summary, Mayotte faces the imminent threat of Cyclone Dikeledi shortly after recovering from the devastation of Cyclone Chido. The government has elevated its alert status and is mobilizing resources to ensure the safety of its citizens. With significant winds and rain expected, local authorities are preparing emergency accommodations while the community is advised to gather supplies and seek safe shelter. The situation underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, especially following recent catastrophes in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
