Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte but has caused significant flooding in Madagascar, resulting in three fatalities. Mayotte remains under red alert until Monday, with heavy rainfall affecting local infrastructure. Rescue efforts involve over 4,000 officials, and concerns persist about the cyclone’s remnants and future storms in the region.
Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from the French territory of Mayotte, although the region remains under red alert until Monday evening. The cyclone caused significant flash floods in Madagascar, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of at least three individuals. As Dikeledi made landfall on Saturday evening, it impacted mainly the northern province of Madagascar, with considerable rainfall reported. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management indicated that over 900 residents were affected by the storm’s aftermath.
On early Sunday, Dikeledi passed approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte, transitioning from a cyclone to a severe tropical storm. The local weather service, Météo-France, confirmed that the storm is persistently moving away from the island. Mayotte was initially placed under red alert as a precautionary measure due to the cyclone’s anticipated effects; this status is expected to remain in effect until Monday. Heavy rains and winds were recorded, particularly in the southern areas of the island, prompting widespread concern given the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in December, which had left many households vulnerable.
In response to the emergency, Mayotte mobilized over 4,000 officials, including police and military personnel, to facilitate rescue efforts and manage local safety. Eighty accommodation centers have been established to assist the estimated 14,500 displaced individuals. The Ministry of France’s Overseas Territories conveyed a message of calm concerning the situation, despite the evident challenges exacerbated by Cyclone Dikeledi’s impact. The storm is anticipated to regain cyclone classification on Monday and may further intensify as it progresses southward towards Mozambique.
Overall, Cyclone Dikeledi underscored the vulnerability of Mayotte and Madagascar to extreme weather events, compounded by previous cyclone effects. Local communities remain in a state of apprehension as they prepare for the aftermath and the possibility of renewed storms.
Cyclone Dikeledi serves as a reminder of the increased frequency and intensity of cyclonic activities in the Indian Ocean region. Mayotte and Madagascar have experienced devastating cyclones historically, leading to a growing concern among local populations about preparedness and recovery processes. Dikeledi’s path and impacts highlight the interconnectedness of these geographical areas, emphasizing the need for effective disaster management strategies to mitigate losses and enhance resilience. Moreover, the recent memory of the calamities brought by Cyclone Chido reinforces the significance of timely alerts and community support systems in disaster situations.
In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi’s passage has left a detrimental impact on Madagascar, resulting in loss of life and displacements. Mayotte remains vigilant, adhering to red alerts and mobilizing local resources to address the unfolding humanitarian needs. As communities brace for potential future cyclones, the lessons learned from Dikeledi will be critical in shaping disaster preparedness strategies for the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
