Mayotte has been placed on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido last month. Emergency measures are being enacted to protect the population as Dikeledi is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds but is forecasted to weaken before landfall. The cyclone season presents ongoing risks for this vulnerable region, already grappling with the consequences of previous storms.
On Saturday, the French territory of Mayotte was placed on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approached. The Prefecture of Mayotte issued the warning at 10 p.m. local time, preparing for the storm, which had made landfall in northern Madagascar earlier that day and was tracking westward toward the islands. Emergency personnel have been mobilized, with preparations underway to safeguard the population, according to the French Interior Ministry. Dikeledi is anticipated to weaken to a strong tropical storm by the time it reaches Mayotte early Sunday, yet it is still predicted to deliver heavy rainfall and strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching 110 kph (68 mph).
Mayotte is still recovering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido. Last month, Chido wreaked havoc on the archipelago, resulting in at least 39 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries, making it the most catastrophic cyclone in nearly a century in the region. The destruction left many neighborhoods flattened, particularly affecting the densely populated areas where vulnerable populations reside, including an estimated 100,000 migrants. In addition to the casualties in Mayotte, Chido claimed more than 100 lives in Mozambique and Malawi. While immediate forecasts indicate that Dikeledi will be less severe than Chido, mudslides remain a significant threat as acknowledged by Mayotte Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville.
The cyclone season, spanning from November to April, has seen a growing trend of severe storms impacting the southwestern Indian Ocean. Notably, Cyclone Idai in 2019 caused widespread devastation across Madagascar and nearby countries, resulting in over 1,500 fatalities and affecting more than 3 million individuals.
As Mayotte braces for Cyclone Dikeledi and continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, local authorities remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of residents amid these challenging circumstances.
The recent cyclonic activity in the southwestern Indian Ocean has highlighted the vulnerability of Mayotte, a French territorial archipelago located off the east coast of Africa. Cyclones such as Chido, which struck the islands last month, have had catastrophic consequences, including loss of life and significant property damage. Cyclone Dikeledi, which is currently projected to impact Mayotte soon, emphasizes the ongoing threat posed by weather events typical during cyclone season, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure and emergency preparedness systems.
In conclusion, the issuance of a red alert for Mayotte in anticipation of Cyclone Dikeledi underscores the continuing challenges faced by the region in managing cyclonic threats. With recent devastation from Cyclone Chido still fresh in memory, the local authorities are focusing on emergency preparations and safeguarding the population. This situation calls for heightened vigilance as the region enters its cyclone season, which has already witnessed severe storms in recent years.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
