Cyclone Dikeledi has caused severe flooding and casualties in Madagascar, leaving over 15,000 people displaced, while also affecting Mayotte where approximately 20,000 residents evacuated. The storm follows devastating impacts from Cyclone Chido, amplifying concerns for the region’s vulnerabilities amidst an ongoing rainy season.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has wreaked havoc across Madagascar, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and causing significant flooding and rainfall. The cyclone impacted various regions including the French territory of Mayotte, Comoros, and Mozambique. This incident follows less than a month after Mayotte experienced massive devastation from Cyclone Chido, prompting further concerns about the region’s vulnerability to such storms.
Dikeledi originated in the Southern Indian Ocean and intensified before making landfall in northern Madagascar on January 11. Reports indicate that over 15,000 individuals have been displaced in northern Madagascar, while approximately 20,000 residents in Mayotte were forced to evacuate their homes. Although the cyclone weakened before reaching Mayotte, the archipelago experienced strong winds and flash floods, leading to infrastructure damage, particularly in the village of Mbouini, which had previously survived Cyclone Chido.
Residents expressed profound distress over the repeated storms, with one Mbouini resident stating that they are “traumatized” by both Cyclone Chido and Dikeledi. The ongoing rainy season raises fears about potential additional storms impacting the area. Manuel Valls, the French minister for overseas territories remarked on the violent consequences of the storm, highlighting the severe challenges faced by the region.
Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, emphasized the territory’s fragility, noting that it continues to experience strong winds and heavy rains. The European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations report indicates that Cyclone Dikeledi may intensify further as it progresses southward towards the Mozambique Channel, posing risks of heavy rainfall, storm surges, and strong winds in the affected areas.
The ramifications of Cyclone Chido, the most powerful cyclone to hit Mayotte in recent history, resulted in at least 36 fatalities in the territory and over 120 in Mozambique. Humanitarian response efforts are underway in Madagascar to address the needs of those affected, with emergency supplies and cash assistance provided to selected households to support recovery efforts.
In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi has had a devastating impact on Madagascar and Mayotte, leading to loss of life, displacement, and infrastructure damage. With concerns over the ongoing rainy season, authorities are on high alert for further storms. The humanitarian efforts are critical for those affected as the region continues to contend with the aftermath of consecutive cyclones.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
