Tropical storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte after causing three deaths in Madagascar due to severe flooding. Initially a cyclone that struck Madagascar’s northern coast, the storm has raised concerns about its effects following a recent cyclone that devastated the area in December. Authorities have mobilized resources to manage the situation in Mayotte.
On Sunday, a tropical storm named Dikeledi moved away from Mayotte, a French territory, after causing devastating flash floods that resulted in three fatalities in Madagascar. Initially reaching Madagascar’s northern coast as a cyclone on Saturday evening, the storm subsequently weakened into a severe tropical storm. By the afternoon, it was reported to be 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, having passed about 100 kilometers to the south early Sunday.
Mayotte issued a red alert on Saturday evening in anticipation of the storm, which came shortly after another cyclone wreaked havoc in December, causing significant destruction and loss of life. The region most affected by Dikeledi was the Antsiranana province in northern Madagascar, where torrential rains led to three confirmed deaths and impacted over 900 residents.
On the island of Mayotte, gusty winds reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour were recorded, particularly affecting southern areas. It is estimated that the population of Mayotte is around 320,000, but there are an additional 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented residents living in vulnerable conditions. Residents expressed heightened concerns about the storm’s impact, exacerbating fears due to the recent cyclone’s damage. Local services and authorities were mobilized, including over 4,000 personnel from police and military, to assist in managing the crisis and provide shelter to those affected.
The Indian Ocean region has been significantly impacted by adverse weather patterns, particularly tropical storms and cyclones. In December, an intense cyclone destroyed infrastructure in Mayotte, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage to homes and community facilities. The infrastructure in Mayotte and nearby Madagascar remains vulnerable, with many residents still recovering from the previous cyclone’s devastation. The upcoming storms represent ongoing risks to the safety and well-being of the island’s inhabitants, many of whom reside in precarious conditions, making disaster preparedness and community resilience critical.
In summary, the tropical storm Dikeledi has moved past Mayotte while causing considerable loss of life and disruption in Madagascar. The region contends with the complicated legacy of previous cyclones that have significantly impacted community infrastructure and safety. As local authorities work to provide support and shelter, the ongoing threat of severe weather highlights the vulnerability of these regions to natural disasters, necessitating comprehensive disaster response strategies.
Original Source: www.france24.com
