Tropical Storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte, having caused devastating rains and floods in northern Madagascar, resulting in three deaths. Despite the storm weakening, Mayotte remains under alert as officials prepare for potential continued impacts. The local population expresses concern given recent cyclone experiences, while emergency services mobilize to assist those affected.
On Sunday, a tropical storm, named Dikeledi, was reported to be moving away from the French territory of Mayotte following its disruptive impact on the northern coast of Madagascar. The storm, which initially made landfall as a cyclone on Saturday evening, resulted in torrential rains and flash floods that tragically claimed three lives in Madagascar. According to Meteo-France, as of 3:36 PM local time, Dikeledi was located approximately 160 kilometers south of Mayotte.
The storm had prompted a red alert for Mayotte prior to its passage, creating concerns among its residents, particularly in light of the recent devastation experienced just a month prior during Cyclone Chido, which resulted in substantial damage and fatalities. As Dikeledi passed rather closely to Mayotte, intense weather conditions were reported in the Antsiranana province, emphasizing the storm’s severe impact on northern Madagascar.
Flooding has been particularly damaging to several localities, including the village of Mbouini, which had previously been untouched by the earlier cyclone. Despite the dangerous conditions and a government-imposed ban on movement, some residents, such as Ali Ahmed from Mamoudzou, have openly expressed their fears concerning the storm’s repercussions, stating, “We’re very worried, given what happened the first time.”
Currently, over 4,000 personnel from police and military units have been mobilized in response, with 80 accommodation centers established to house approximately 14,500 displaced individuals. The situation remains tense as forecasts indicate that Dikeledi may regain strength and potentially reclassify as a cyclone early in the coming week.
Furthermore, heavy rains are anticipated in the Comoros and may approach southeastern Africa’s Mozambique region.
The article discusses the developments regarding Tropical Storm Dikeledi as it affects the Indian Ocean territories of Mayotte and Madagascar. Tropical cyclones are common in this region, with each storm posing significant risks of flooding and loss of life. The recent storm follows closely behind another cyclone, Chido, which struck Mayotte and resulted in catastrophic destruction. The ongoing weather conditions have raised considerable concerns among the local population, particularly as they recall the recent impacts of previous storms.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has caused severe flooding in Madagascar, resulting in three fatalities. As the storm moves away from Mayotte, local residents remain on high alert due to the potential for renewed storm activity. The recent history of cyclones in the region exacerbates the anxiety among citizens, while significant emergency resources have been deployed to address the immediate needs of affected populations.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
