Residents of Mayotte are preparing for storm Dikeledi, following the devastation from Cyclone Chido. The territory is under a red alert, anticipating heavy rains and strong winds that could lead to flash floods and landslides. Authorities have mobilized emergency resources and urged the populace to secure their safety amidst ongoing recovery efforts from the prior cyclone.
Residents of Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, prepared for an imminent storm named Dikeledi, following the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido just weeks prior. The region was placed under a red alert at 1900 GMT on Saturday as Dikeledi was expected to pass approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte. This storm, which initially struck Madagascar as a cyclone, is predicted to strengthen again before it reaches the territory. Prevention measures were enacted, issuing warnings of potential flash floods and strong winds that could reach speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour.
Authorities cautioned the public about the significant risks of heavy rain, floods, and landslides, urging residents to seek shelter and prepare essentials. Manuel Valls, France’s overseas territories minister, emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “Nothing is being left to chance.” Most notably, the prefect of Mayotte, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, advanced the red alert to ensure that residents could secure their safety. Over 4,000 personnel have been mobilized to facilitate emergency responses and provide assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which resulted in the deaths of at least 39 individuals and injured more than 5,600.
Mayotte is a densely populated area facing significant developmental challenges, with many undocumented individuals living in precarious conditions. Given the previous cyclone’s catastrophic impact, there is palpable concern among residents about their capacity to withstand another storm. One Mayotte resident expressed her apprehensions about the upcoming weather, reflecting ongoing recovery struggles: “We are still not fully recovered, and I do not know if we are going to make it or not.” The storm is anticipated to hit amidst ongoing vulnerabilities within the community, significantly affecting the recovery efforts from the last cyclone.
The recent history of Mayotte has been marked by severe weather events, particularly Cyclone Chido which devastated the archipelago in mid-December 2022. That cyclone caused extensive damage and resulted in considerable loss of life and injuries, overwhelming the local infrastructure and response systems. The geography and socioeconomic conditions of Mayotte, characterized by densely populated shantytowns, exacerbated the impact of natural disasters, making these communities particularly susceptible to further storms. As a result, the current storm Dikeledi poses an additional threat, raising alarm for local authorities and residents alike.
In summary, Mayotte is currently under a red alert due to the imminent threat posed by storm Dikeledi, following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido. Residents are being urged to take precautions as strong winds and heavy rains are expected, with authorities mobilizing resources to ensure safety and assistance. The community remains fragile and is still recovering from previous storm damages, creating anxiety about the potential challenges Dikeledi could bring to an already vulnerable population.
Original Source: www.france24.com
