Tropical storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte after causing flash floods in Madagascar, leading to three deaths. The storm initially struck as a cyclone and has been closely monitored by Meteo-France, with preparations and concerns heightened due to the devastation caused by the previous cyclone in December.
On Sunday, tropical storm Dikeledi departed from the French territory of Mayotte following significant downpours and flash floods in Madagascar that resulted in three fatalities. Initially, Dikeledi made landfall as a cyclone on Saturday evening in Madagascar before deteriorating into a severe tropical storm. According to Meteo-France, at 3:36 PM local time, Dikeledi was located approximately 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, having come as close as 100 kilometers to the French territory earlier that morning.
The impact of the storm was particularly severe in the Antsiranana province of northern Madagascar, as confirmed by Meteo-France, which reported that the torrential rainfall resulted in three fatalities and affected over 900 residents. In anticipation of the storm, Mayotte had implemented a red alert on Saturday evening, echoing fears from the previous catastrophic cyclone which struck in December, resulting in over 39 deaths and substantial damage to infrastructure.
While moving away from the immediate threat, Mayotte experienced intensified rainfall and wind gusts potentially reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour, particularly along the southern parts of the island. The local population, officially numbering 320,000, is compounded by an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented immigrants residing in fragile housing that was ravaged by the previous cyclone. Amidst concerns for the upcoming storm’s impact, many residents expressed anxiety, reminiscing about the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido.
Authorities have mobilized over 4,000 personnel, including police and military, to ensure safety and assist in flood responses. The government has established 80 accommodation centers catering to approximately 14,500 individuals as part of the preparedness measures. Despite the severe weather alert, some residents of Mamoudzou were observed on the streets and attempting to protect their homes amidst the inclement weather, though a travel ban was imposed to minimize risk.
Forecasts indicate that Dikeledi may regain cyclone status as it progresses toward the coast of Mozambique, representing an ongoing threat not just to Mayotte but also to nearby regions, notably the Comoros where heavy precipitation is anticipated. Hence, the situation remains critical as authorities continue to monitor developments closely and prepare for potential escalations in the storm’s strength.
The recent weather disturbances underscore the vulnerability of Mayotte and the surrounding areas to extreme weather events, particularly cyclones. The Indian Ocean region has been increasingly subject to severe storms due to changing climate patterns. Dikeledi’s trajectory and prior cyclone impacts illustrate the ongoing challenges that residents face, particularly in October when the cyclone season peaks in this region. Understanding these dynamics is essential for regional disaster management strategies, as Mayotte and Madagascar contend with the dual pressures of population displacement and natural disasters.
In conclusion, the movement of tropical storm Dikeledi away from Mayotte has mitigated immediate threats, yet the situation remains precarious given the recent fatalities and devastation in Madagascar. The concerns of local residents and the reinforcement of emergency services reflect a determined response to such violent weather patterns. Consequently, the focus will remain on both recovery efforts in Madagascar and vigilance across Mayotte and the surrounding islands as the cyclone season continues to unfold.
Original Source: www.france24.com
