Mayotte Prepares for Storm Dikeledi Amid Ongoing Recovery from Cyclone Chido
Mayotte is under red alert for Storm Dikeledi as residents prepare for potential flash floods and strong winds. The storm, moving from Madagascar, may intensify and threaten the region less than a month after Cyclone Chido caused severe devastation, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries. Residents are advised to seek shelter and gather necessary supplies as the community continues to recover.
Residents of Mayotte are on high alert as they prepare for the impending arrival of Storm Dikeledi, which threatens to deliver strong winds and heavy rainfall less than a month after the territory was devastated by Cyclone Chido. Beginning on Saturday evening, Mayotte has been under a red weather alert since 1900 GMT, with authorities urging residents to remain vigilant. Although Dikeledi weakened after striking Madagascar, it is anticipated to regain strength and could reclassify as a cyclone by Monday morning.
The storm is currently situated approximately 260 kilometers southeast of Mayotte and is moving at a speed of 22 kilometers per hour. The local French weather service, Meteo-France, has cautioned that flooding and landslides may occur, and warned that wind gusts could reach up to 90 kilometers per hour. Authorities are advising residents to seek shelter and prepare by gathering essential supplies such as food and water, with reassurance from France’s overseas territories minister, Manuel Valls, that “nothing is being left to chance.”
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido continues to loom heavily over the territory. This cyclone was particularly devastating—registered as the worst storm in 90 years for the region—claiming at least 39 lives and injuring over 5,600 individuals. With Mayotte’s population officially at 320,000, including an estimated 100,000 undocumented residents, there is a continuing concern about their safety and preparedness.
More than 4,000 personnel, including police and military, have been mobilized to assist in emergency responses. The prefect has ordered local accommodation centers to reopen, following their use after Cyclone Chido, and has emphasized the heightened risks of mudslides given the wet nature of the anticipated rainfall. Experiences shared by residents, such as Ismahane, highlight the worries for their families as they prepare for yet another storm.
With the community still grappling with the devastation from last month, the imminent threat from Dikeledi underscores the region’s vulnerability to severe weather patterns in the Indian Ocean. Authorities remain focused on ensuring public safety and readiness as this new storm approaches.
The article addresses the imminent threat posed by Storm Dikeledi to the French territory of Mayotte, which recently experienced severe destruction from Cyclone Chido. The residents of Mayotte, which has a substantial population of undocumented individuals, are urged to remain vigilant in the face of potential flooding and strong winds. The article provides insight into the preparation efforts being made by local officials and their concern about the continuing recovery from the previous cyclone’s devastating impacts.
In conclusion, the residents of Mayotte are preparing for the impact of Storm Dikeledi amid recent memories of Cyclone Chido’s devastation. With a state of emergency implemented and authorities encouraging preparedness, the population faces a critical time as they brace for possible severe weather conditions. The situation is compounded by the previous cyclone’s residual effects, making the prospects of additional flooding and mudslides a significant concern.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
