Tropical Storm Dikeledi impacted Mayotte on January 12, 2025, following Cyclone Chido. The storm brought heavy rain, winds of up to 90 km/h, and significant flooding, particularly in Mbouini. Prior to Mayotte, Dikeledi caused flash floods in Madagascar, displacing hundreds and resulting in fatalities. French authorities mobilized for recovery, while residents remain on red alert for flooding and landslides.
On January 12, 2025, Tropical Storm Dikeledi passed near Mayotte, following closely on the heels of Cyclone Chido, which had caused widespread devastation less than a month prior. Dikeledi brought torrential rain and winds of up to 90 kilometers per hour, resulting in significant flooding, particularly in the village of Mbouini. Prior to reaching Mayotte, the storm made landfall in Madagascar, where it displaced more than 900 individuals and resulted in fatalities due to flash floods.
In response to the crisis, French authorities activated emergency services, deploying over 4,000 personnel to assist in recovery efforts, including police and military forces. Meteorological officials issued a red alert for the region, urging residents to stay indoors to avoid potential flooding and landslides. Despite the storm’s movement away from the area by afternoon, concerns remain about its potential resurgence and impact on other nearby regions, including the Comoros islands and Nampula province in Mozambique.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi is the latest weather event to affect Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, which has recently experienced severe storms. Just a month earlier, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in the area, claiming numerous lives and leading to extensive property damage. The persistence of tropical storms in this region poses ongoing risks to the local population and infrastructure, raising questions about preparedness and response measures against such natural disasters. The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left residents frustrated with the governmental response, especially in light of their dire socioeconomic conditions as the poorest department in the European Union.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has exacerbated the challenges faced by Mayotte following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. The storm prompted significant emergency responses, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the region to extreme weather events. Authorities now remain vigilant, monitoring Dikeledi’s movements as it threatens to regain strength, thus necessitating continued public safety cautions and relief efforts.
Original Source: euroweeklynews.com
