Tropical Storm Dikeledi Moves Away from Mayotte, Leaves Devastation in Madagascar
A tropical storm named Dikeledi moved away from Mayotte, causing at least three deaths in Madagascar due to severe rain and flash floods. While it weakened after making landfall, Mayotte faced red alert conditions, reflecting the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters. The storm, forecasted to potentially reclassify as a cyclone, highlights ongoing risks in the Indian Ocean region.
On Sunday, a tropical storm named Dikeledi shifted away from the French territory of Mayotte after causing significant rainfall and flash floods in Madagascar, leading to the tragic deaths of three individuals. Initially forming as a cyclone, Dikeledi made landfall on Madagascar’s northern coast on Saturday evening before it weakened into a severe tropical storm. At 3:36 PM local time, it was reported to be approximately 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, with Meteo-France confirming that it was moving away from the island.
Mayotte was placed under a red alert the previous night in anticipation of the storm. This recent storm follows a devastating cyclone that struck the region in December, which resulted in at least 39 fatalities and over 5,600 injuries. As Dikeledi moved forward, its most intense impact was recorded in Antsiranana province at the northern tip of Madagascar, according to Meteo-France.
The torrential rains affected thousands, with the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) reporting three casualties and more than 900 individuals impacted by the severe weather. Residents of Mayotte expressed their concerns about the potential fallout from the storm, given the recent disaster. Despite restrictions due to the red alert, some locals were seen undertaking minor activities, such as washing their vehicles. The French government mobilized over 4,000 personnel, including police and military, to assist in the situation.
As of Monday, forecasts suggest that Dikeledi may reclassify as a cyclone and could intensify as it shifts towards Mozambique. This kind of severe weather phenomenon poses ongoing risks to the region, highlighting the vulnerabilities of Mayotte and Madagascar to natural disasters, particularly after experiencing previous cyclones.
The situation surrounding Dikeledi underscores the challenges faced by regions prone to tropical storms and cyclones, particularly in the Indian Ocean where Mayotte and Madagascar are located. Cyclones are a recurring threat to these areas, causing devastation to communities and infrastructure. The cyclone of mid-December, which resulted in numerous fatalities and extensive damage, exemplified the precariousness of the local population, many of whom reside in precarious conditions. Therefore, emergency preparedness and response systems become crucial in mitigating the impacts of such natural disasters.
In conclusion, the movement of storm Dikeledi away from Mayotte has brought temporary relief after it caused substantial devastation in Madagascar. The loss of life and severe weather effects remind us of the region’s fragility to such natural disasters. As the storm potentially intensifies in the coming days, the situation remains precarious, necessitating continued vigilance and preparedness to protect the lives and properties of the residents in the affected areas.
Original Source: www.france24.com
