A tropical storm, Dikeledi, has moved away from Mayotte after causing deaths in Madagascar. It weakened from a cyclone, but rains and winds intensified in Mayotte. Local authorities mobilized resources for disaster management as residents faced potential flooding risks. Preparations continue as Dikeledi may regain strength in the coming days.
On Sunday, a tropical storm named Dikeledi began to move away from the French territory of Mayotte after causing severe weather conditions, including torrential rains and flash floods that resulted in the deaths of three individuals in northern Madagascar. Originally making landfall as a cyclone on Saturday evening, Dikeledi weakened to a severe tropical storm by the time it was recorded at 3:36 PM local time, positioned 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, according to Meteo-France. It notably passed about 100 kilometers south of Mayotte early Sunday, allowing the island to breathe a sigh of relief as the storm moved away.
Mayotte had previously been placed on red alert in anticipation of the storm’s impact, following the destructive effects of a cyclone less than one month prior, which claimed 39 lives and inflicted significant damage across the territory. Meteo-France highlighted that the Antsiranana province, located at Madagascar’s northern tip, experienced the most severe weather, with the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management confirming three fatalities due to the heavy rainfall affecting the region.
Sunday saw intensified rain and wind conditions across Mayotte, with potential gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour, particularly in the southern area of the island. Despite the extenuating circumstances, local residents expressed their fears regarding the potential impact of Dikeledi, especially after enduring the severe aftermath of the cyclone in December. Reports indicated extensive flooding in villages such as Mbouini, along with alarmed citizens reinforcing their homes against the relentless elements.
Although authorities imposed restrictions on movement due to the red alert, some residents in Mamoudzou were observed defying warnings while taking advantage of the rainfall for routine tasks. In preparation for the storm, France mobilized over 4,000 personnel from police and military units, establishing 80 accommodation centers for approximately 14,500 individuals. According to Meteo-France, as Dikeledi progressed southward, it was likely to re-intensify and possibly be reclassified as a cyclone early in the upcoming week, with rainfall predicted to affect surrounding regions including the Comoros and Mozambique.
The article discusses the aftermath of tropical storm Dikeledi, which caused significant disruption in Mayotte and Madagascar. It highlights the potential dangers posed by storms in the Indian Ocean, particularly following recent severe weather events including a cyclone that devastated the region in December 2022. This context emphasizes the vulnerability of these territories to natural disasters and the ongoing challenges faced by their inhabitants in the wake of such calamities.
In conclusion, the movement of storm Dikeledi away from Mayotte offers a moment of respite following the tragic fatalities in Madagascar. Nonetheless, the region remains on high alert as the storm may strengthen again, posing further threats to already impacted areas. The proactive measures taken by local authorities underscore the need for vigilance in disaster preparedness and response in light of persistent climatic challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
