A tropical storm named Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte after causing torrential rains that resulted in three fatalities in Madagascar. The storm, which initially impacted Madagascar as a cyclone, has raised concerns given the recent cyclone’s destruction that claimed numerous lives last month. Emergency responses are being mobilized in Mayotte as residents brace for potential future impacts.
On Sunday, a tropical storm named Dikeledi moved away from the French territory of Mayotte after unleashing catastrophic rains that led to the deaths of three individuals in Madagascar. Initially striking Madagascar’s northern coast as a cyclone on Saturday evening, Dikeledi later weakened but continued to pose threats with gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour in certain areas of Mayotte. As of 3:36 PM local time, the storm was approximately 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, continuing its drift while heavy rains affected various regions.
The aftermath of the storm raised alarms, particularly in light of the recent cyclone that had devastated Mayotte less than a month prior. This event had already inflicted significant destruction, claiming 39 lives and leaving thousands injured. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management in Madagascar reported three fatalities linked to the torrential conditions, with over 900 individuals affected by the flooding in the northern regions of the island.
In Mayotte, residents were advised to remain indoors under a red alert issued Saturday evening, with travel restricted to emergency personnel. Despite these warnings, some locals ventured out to tend to their properties, a sign of the community’s resilience amidst uncertainty. As heavy rain fell on various parts of Mayotte, including the village of Mbouini, many feared the potential for further devastation following the recent cyclone’s destruction.
With over 4,000 emergency personnel deployed, including police and military members, the French Interior Ministry stated that measures were in place, such as the establishment of 80 accommodation centers to assist approximately 14,500 displaced individuals. Meteo-France indicated that Dikeledi may intensify again, possibly transforming back into a cyclone by Monday, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities across the region.
The Indian Ocean islands of Mayotte and Madagascar frequently face tropical storms and cyclones due to their geographical location. Mayotte, being a French overseas department, has experienced severe weather events, notably the cyclone in December that caused immense damage and loss of life. Dikeledi’s recent passage emphasizes the region’s vulnerability, as the aftermath of previous storms continues to affect community readiness and resilience in dealing with natural disasters. Weather agencies closely monitor such storms to provide timely warnings and appropriate responses to safeguard residents’ lives and property.
The situation in the Indian Ocean region remains precarious as the storm Dikeledi continues to affect Madagascar and Mayotte. With three reported deaths in Madagascar and damage to infrastructure, the community’s concern is palpable. Emergency responses are in place, along with ongoing monitoring by meteorological agencies, as forecasts indicate the potential for Dikeledi to intensify into a cyclone once more. The resilience of the affected populations is critical as they navigate the aftermath of these severe weather events.
Original Source: www.france24.com
