Residents of Mayotte are on high alert for Storm Dikeledi, expected to bring heavy rain and winds following the devastation from Cyclone Chido. Authorities issued a red alert as the storm approaches, posing significant risks of flash floods and landslides. Preparations are underway to ensure the safety of impacted populations, particularly in vulnerable areas affected by previous storms.
On Sunday, residents of Mayotte, a French territory, prepared for an impending storm after having recently suffered the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. The French government issued a red alert at 1900 GMT on Saturday in anticipation of Storm Dikeledi, forecasted to pass approximately 100 kilometers south of the territory. Initially classified as a cyclone, Dikeledi weakened but is expected to regain strength, potentially becoming classified as a cyclone again by Monday morning, according to Meteo-France.
As of local time 6:00 am, the storm was located about 260 kilometers southeast of Mayotte, progressing at a speed of 22 kilometers per hour. In recent hours, the Antsiranana province in northern Madagascar has experienced severe weather conditions. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance on Mayotte following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido in December, which resulted in considerable loss of life and infrastructure.
Meteo-France warned of heavy rainfall likely to trigger flash floods, raising concerns about potential flooding and landslide events. Wind gusts in Mayotte could reach up to 90 kilometers per hour, while treacherous sea conditions are anticipated. Local officials urged residents to take shelter and stock supplies, including food and water, ahead of the storm’s arrival. Manuel Valls, the Minister for Overseas Territories, emphasized that every precaution is being taken to ensure residents’ safety.
Cyclone Chido, described as the most devastating storm to impact the region in nearly a century, led to 39 fatalities and over 5,600 injuries. François-Xavier Bieuville, the Paris-appointed official overseeing Mayotte, stated that the red alert was initiated earlier to facilitate public safety measures. All travel is halted during the alert, except for emergency personnel and those involved in relief efforts.
In response to the looming storm, more than 4,000 personnel, including police and military, have been deployed throughout Mayotte. There are also efforts to reopen shelters, previously utilized in December, to accommodate displaced residents. The prefect has instructed local authorities to ensure that at-risk areas, particularly informal shantytowns, receive necessary assistance given the heightened risk of mudslides.
Residents expressed their concerns about the storm’s potential impact. One local, Ismahane, shared her anxiety about the upcoming weather event and her efforts to stock up on essentials, acknowledging the challenges faced since the previous cyclone’s destruction.
The article reports on the situation in Mayotte, an Indian Ocean archipelago that has recently experienced the severe impacts of Cyclones, particularly Cyclone Chido, which caused extensive damage and loss of life. As Mayotte braces for a new storm, Dikeledi, local authorities have issued a high alert, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of its population, especially in light of recent weather events. Preparations involve mobilizing emergency services and advising residents to secure provisions, highlighting the community’s urgent need for resilience in the face of recurring natural disasters.
In summary, as Mayotte prepares for Storm Dikeledi, the ongoing state of alert and the mobilization of emergency services reflect the community’s profound challenges following the devastation of Cyclone Chido. With significant risks of floods and landslides anticipated, local officials are striving to ensure residents are adequately supported and informed to navigate this precarious situation. The collective efforts underscore the pressing need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of continuing threats from severe weather phenomena.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
