Tropical Storm Dikeledi Causes Havoc Near Mayotte Following Cyclone Chido
Tropical Storm Dikeledi has impacted Mayotte, causing heavy rainfall and strong winds, just weeks after Cyclone Chido led to widespread devastation and loss of life in the region. The storm moved southward post-impact and has the potential to regain intensity, prompting urgent responses and preparations as further rainfall is anticipated, particularly affecting Madagascar and Mozambique.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi has departed from Mayotte as of January 12, 2025, after causing severe rainfall and high winds across the island territory in the French Indian Ocean. This event follows closely on the heels of Cyclone Chido, which inflicted extensive devastation in the region, leading to the deaths of approximately 35 individuals in Mayotte and 94 in neighboring Mozambique. Prior to impacting Mayotte, Dikeledi made landfall in Madagascar, where it caused flash floods, claiming three lives and displacing over 900 residents from Antsiranana province due to torrential rainfalls.
Dikeledi came dangerously close to Mayotte, reaching within 100 kilometers south early Sunday, generating wind gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour. According to Meteo-France, as of 3:36 PM local time, the storm had moved 160 kilometers away from Mayotte and was continuing its trajectory southward. The coastal village of Mbouini suffered significant flooding, prompting French authorities to issue a red alert and establish 80 cyclone shelters to accommodate over 14,500 people.
In response to the ongoing crisis, French officials have deployed over 4,000 personnel, including police and military units, to assist in recovery efforts, with the National Gendarmerie communicating their readiness to clear debris and restore thoroughfares. Mayotte residents are advised to remain indoors under the red alert, citing the heightened risk of flooding and landslides.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi has the potential to regain strength as it progresses southward, with forecasts suggesting it could re-intensify into a cyclone by the following week. The Nampula province of Mozambique may experience Dikeledi’s impacts as early as Monday, with heavy rains anticipated in the nearby Comoros islands, heightening concerns regarding regional safety and welfare.
The recent occurrence of Tropical Storm Dikeledi is noteworthy given its proximity to the earlier devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, marking a concerning trend of severe weather events impacting Mayotte and surrounding regions. Such storms have significant humanitarian implications as evidenced by the loss of life and damage inflicted on habitats and infrastructure. The potential for further intensification of Dikeledi underlines the urgency for preparedness and response measures in vulnerable areas, particularly as climate patterns continue to influence storm severity.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has significantly impacted Mayotte after striking Madagascar, compounding the region’s humanitarian challenges following Cyclone Chido’s devastation. The response by French authorities indicates a commitment to managing the immediate crisis effectively. Nevertheless, the anticipated return of severe weather raises ongoing concerns about the safety and resilience of affected communities as they brace for additional impacts from the evolving storm.
Original Source: euroweeklynews.com
