Mayotte is under red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi heads toward the islands, following the destruction from Cyclone Chido last month that led to numerous casualties and significant damage. Dikeledi, expected to bring heavy rain and winds, poses further risks to an already vulnerable population, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced during cyclone season.
The French territory of Mayotte has been placed on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. The red alert was issued at 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, prior to Dikeledi making landfall in Madagascar and heading towards Mayotte. Although expected to diminish to a strong tropical storm, the cyclone is still forecasted to bring significant rain and wind, with gusts potentially reaching 110 kph. This comes amidst ongoing recovery efforts from the previous cyclone which claimed numerous lives and caused extensive damage across the islands.
Mayotte, a densely populated French overseas department, experienced one of the worst cyclones in its history last month when Cyclone Chido caused catastrophic destruction and resulted in at least 39 fatalities. Other storms in the southwestern Indian Ocean region have contributed to a tumultuous cyclone season that typically spans from November to April. Cyclone Dikeledi, which formed shortly after Chido, poses additional challenges to the recovery efforts, highlighting the need for preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.
In summary, Mayotte faces another threat as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, with emergency measures in place, reflecting lessons learned from the recent and devastating impact of Cyclone Chido. Authorities remain vigilant in protecting the population as they navigate the challenges presented by an active cyclone season. The prior destruction has left the region vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of community preparedness and robust disaster response capabilities.
Original Source: apnews.com
