Mayotte is under red alert as it prepares for the impending storm Dikeledi, following the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido in December. Authorities warn of severe weather conditions including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flash floods. Over 4,000 emergency personnel have been mobilized, while residents are urged to secure shelter and supplies. The local population faces significant fears and uncertainties regarding their safety.
Residents of Mayotte are facing the imminent arrival of a new storm, Dikeledi, which is anticipated to cause strong winds and significant rainfall after the devastation left by Cyclone Chido just a month ago. The territory was placed under a red alert on Saturday at 1900 GMT in preparation for this storm, which is forecast to move dangerously close, approximately 100 kilometers south of the island. Despite having weakened to a severe tropical storm, it is expected to regain strength, possibly being reclassified as a cyclone by Monday morning.
According to Meteo-France, the local weather service, meteorological updates confirm that heavy rain and deteriorating wind conditions are imminent. Authorities are warning of possible flash floods and landslides, urging residents to take swift action by securing shelter and stockpiling food supplies. French Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Nothing is being left to chance.”
The cyclone from December, known as Chido, had a catastrophic impact on the island, resulting in at least 39 fatalities and injuring over 5,600 individuals, leading officials to act quickly in response to the new storm. Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville conveyed the urgency of the red alert, instructing residents to confine themselves indoors and take care of vulnerable individuals. Over 4,000 personnel, including police and military, have been mobilized to ensure public safety and assist in the event of emergency situations. Facilities, including schools and gyms, are open for sheltering individuals, especially in light of the high-risk areas of shantytowns affected by previous storm damage.
While the official population stands at around 320,000, estimates suggest an additional 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented individuals may reside in the region, compounding the challenges faced during this new storm event. Local resident Ismahane reflected on the uncertainty felt among the community, expressing her fear and preparation for the adverse effects of Dikeledi: “We are still not fully recovered, and I do not know if we are going to make it or not.”
The French territory of Mayotte, situated in the Indian Ocean, has been grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which struck the island in mid-December. Cyclone Chido was the most destructive storm to hit Mayotte in almost a century, significantly affecting its infrastructure, causing widespread devastation, and leading to loss of life. This context of recent trauma amplifies the fear and anxiety among residents as they brace for another storm, Dikeledi, which poses additional threats of high winds and rainfall. Authorities are taking precautionary measures to minimize risks, considering the already fragile state of the local population and infrastructure.
In summary, Mayotte is currently on high alert as it prepares for the incoming storm Dikeledi, expected to bring severe weather following the catastrophic effects of Cyclone Chido just weeks ago. The public has been advised to remain vigilant and take safety precautions while authorities implement emergency measures to mitigate the impact. With many still recovering from the previous cyclone, the community faces uncertainty and apprehension as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Original Source: www.france24.com
