Mayotte Suffers from Tropical Storm Dikeledi Following Cyclone Chido’s Devastation
Mayotte experiences severe weather as Tropical Storm Dikeledi strikes shortly after devastating Cyclone Chido, which killed 39 and injured over 5,000. Authorities issue strict warnings as they prepare for potential flooding and landslides, opening shelters and mobilizing emergency personnel to assist the vulnerable population.
On a recent Sunday, the French territory of Mayotte was struck by a new tropical storm, named Dikeledi, merely weeks after the catastrophic Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc across the islands. The local government advised residents to secure shelter, stock essential supplies, and remain indoors as the storm brought severe rains and strong winds, overwhelming the already fragile recovery efforts that followed the previous cyclone’s destruction.
Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, was just beginning the arduous rebuilding process after Cyclone Chido devastated the islands, claiming at least 39 lives, leaving over 200 missing, and injuring more than 5,000 individuals. Dikeledi had earlier weakened from a cyclone to a tropical storm as it moved away from Madagascar’s coast but was expected to regain strength, prompting fears of flooding and landslides across Mayotte. A red alert was issued, prohibiting residents from venturing outdoors until conditions improved.
In response to the imminent danger, cyclone shelters were reopened in schools and community centers to provide refuge for those in need. The regional airport, which had suffered significant damage during Cyclone Chido, remained closed as a precautionary measure. With over 4,000 emergency personnel deployed, authorities prioritized vulnerable communities, especially those in precarious shantytowns near the capital, Mamoudzou, that had already been impacted.
Notably, the cyclone had catastrophic effects on the southern village of Mbouini, which was one of the few spared by Cyclone Chido. Reports indicated that it had been devastated by flooding, prompting residents to escape in makeshift wooden canoes. This latest storm has compounded the challenges faced by the approximately 320,000 residents of Mayotte, many of whom are already living amidst dire economic conditions aggravated by natural disasters.
In the wake of Cyclone Chido’s destruction, concerns over the local government’s preparedness for subsequent storms have intensified, as residents expressed dissatisfaction towards the French government’s response during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The overall situation in Mayotte continues to exacerbate existing humanitarian issues, as many individuals affected by Chido may be undocumented migrants, complicating recovery efforts and accurate reporting of casualties.
As meteorological predictions indicate that Dikeledi is likely to veer away into the sea after impacting Mayotte, officials remain vigilant during this cyclone season, hoping to mitigate further destruction from an increasingly active weather pattern.
The Mayotte islands, a French overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean, are currently facing severe challenges due to consecutive tropical storms, recently exacerbated by Cyclone Chido. This cyclone resulted in substantial loss of life, displacement, and damage, prompting significant recovery efforts from the French government. As a densely populated area plagued by socio-economic issues, Mayotte has struggled with infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness, particularly with the growing frequency of extreme weather events during cyclone season from November to April. The region has seen historical cyclones like Idai in 2019, which affected millions across multiple countries, highlighting the vulnerabilities of surrounding territories during such natural disasters.
In summary, the Mayotte islands are grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido while facing yet another tropical storm, Dikeledi. The local government’s response has included emergency protocols and shelter resources, but ongoing concerns over preparedness and support remain evident among residents. Cyclone season continues to pose significant risks for the already vulnerable population, necessitating robust disaster management strategies and international assistance to mitigate future calamities and ensure the safety of the inhabitants.
Original Source: www.the-journal.com
