Mayotte faces a new tropical storm, Dikeledi, shortly after Cyclone Chido’s devastation, which resulted in numerous fatalities and missing persons. A red alert is in effect, warning of potential flooding and landslides. Emergency services are mobilized, with military assistance for crisis management as the region grapples with the aftermath of the previous cyclone.
Mayotte has been struck by a new tropical storm, Dikeledi, just weeks after the archipelago endured the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, which resulted in at least 39 fatalities and left over 200 individuals missing. The situation remains dire as a red alert has been issued, indicating a significant risk of flooding and landslides across the islands. Following the warnings from the French meteorological service Meteo-France, residents have been advised to remain indoors or seek shelter as heavy rains and strong winds started affecting the region.
Military forces have been deployed to assist with clearing fallen trees and restoring transportation routes as authorities emphasize readiness due to the ongoing bad weather. One of the villages, Mbouini, which was previously untouched by Chido, has now faced severe flooding as Dikeledi approached. Cyclone shelters have been opened at schools and community centers while the local airport, severely impacted by Chido, is currently closed.
The French interior ministry has announced that emergency services and security personnel are actively engaged in response efforts for the arrival of Dikeledi, particularly around the capital, Mamoudzou, where many areas remain in disarray from Chido, recognized as the most devastating cyclone to hit Mayotte in ninety years. With the community still grappling with the aftermath of the previous disaster, officials have acknowledged considerable challenges in assessing the total impact of the cyclone, exacerbated by the demographic complexities, including undocumented migrants and cultural practices related to burial.
The recent storm faced by Mayotte follows the catastrophic aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which devastated the region, prompting widespread infrastructural damage and significant loss of life. Mayotte is situated in the Indian Ocean and is known to be one of the poorest territories in the European Union. The community has historically voiced concerns regarding neglect from the French government, particularly highlighted during the aftermath of Cyclone Chido when many of the residents expressed anger over the lack of emergency response and support. The ongoing crisis has compelled authorities to mobilize emergency services rapidly to ensure the population’s safety.
In conclusion, Mayotte is currently grappling with the effects of Tropical Storm Dikeledi shortly after the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. The declared red alert underscores the serious risks the islands face, particularly concerning flooding and landslides. The response to the new storm reflects the urgency of the situation, with military and emergency services deployed to assist affected residents. As the community continues to recover from recent calamities, the risks of further loss and destruction remain a poignant reality.
Original Source: news.sky.com
