Mayotte is on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches the islands, which were recently devastated by Cyclone Chido. Emergency services are preparing for potential heavy rains and wind gusts of up to 110 kph. The region is still recovering from last month’s cyclone, which resulted in fatalities and extensive damage.
On Saturday, the French territory of Mayotte was placed on red alert due to an impending cyclone, Cyclone Dikeledi, which is expected to impact the islands following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido last month. The local Prefecture issued the warning at 10 p.m., with authorities preparing for Dikeledi’s arrival, anticipated early Sunday morning. Although forecasts suggest that Dikeledi may weaken into a strong tropical storm by the time it reaches Mayotte, emergency services remain vigilant, ready to safeguard local populations from potential heavy rains and strong winds, with gusts projected to hit 110 kph (68 mph).
Mayotte is still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, a cyclone that struck the region last month, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life; 39 fatalities have been reported with injuries exceeding 2,000. As much of the population of over 320,000, including a large number of migrants living in vulnerable conditions, has yet to recover, the anticipated rains from Dikeledi raise concerns about further flooding and mudslides.
Authorities noted that while Dikeledi is not expected to carry the same intensity as Cyclone Chido, which had winds exceeding 200 kph (124 mph), the risk of mudslides remains considerable. November through April marks the cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, during which multiple severe storms have impacted the region in recent years, with Cyclone Idai in 2019 being particularly devastating, affecting over three million individuals across several countries.
Cyclones have a significant impact on the regional climate and social conditions in the southwestern Indian Ocean, particularly affecting territories like Mayotte. The area is prone to severe weather during the cyclone season, which occurs from November to April, often leading to increased human rights concerns due to the high number of informal settlements and vulnerable populations living in precarious conditions. The history of cyclones in the region reveals severe socio-economic challenges and the ongoing need for effective emergency preparedness and response plans.
In conclusion, Mayotte faces yet another challenge as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following the extensive damages from Cyclone Chido. The capacity of local authorities to manage the crisis remains crucial as residents continue to recover from previous impacts. With the cyclone season proving increasingly menacing, it becomes imperative for local and national governments to bolster emergency response strategies and community resilience measures.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
