Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte, maintaining a red alert. The cyclone caused severe flooding in Madagascar, resulting in three deaths and affecting over 900 people. As Dikeledi moved near Mayotte, residents faced strong winds and rain. Emergency services are mobilized to assist the impacted populations, while concerns persist about further cyclonic activity.
Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte as of Sunday, although the archipelago remains under a red alert until Monday evening. The storm triggered flash floods in Madagascar, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. According to Météo-France, the cyclone impacted the Antsiranana province in northern Madagascar most severely. The storm initially struck Madagascar as a cyclone on Saturday evening before diminishing to a severe tropical storm.
The casualties from the cyclone in Madagascar were reported by the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC), which noted that more than 900 residents were affected. During its closest approach, Dikeledi passed approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte. Despite the threat, residents of Mayotte encountered heavy rains and winds reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour, particularly in the southern regions of the island.
On Saturday night, officials imposed a red alert in anticipation of the cyclone, which will be in effect until Monday. This storm follows closely on the heels of Cyclone Chido, which had devastating effects in December, causing at least 39 fatalities and injuring over 5,600. There are ongoing concerns amongst the local population regarding the potential repercussions of another cyclone following the recent disaster.
Aid efforts have mobilized over 4,000 personnel, including law enforcement and military personnel, to assist affected residents. The French government has established 80 accommodation centers to house individuals displaced by the flooding, accommodating approximately 14,500 people. As Cyclone Dikeledi is anticipated to strengthen again, it is expected to transition back into a full cyclone by Monday.
The recent passage of Cyclone Dikeledi highlights the vulnerabilities faced by the Indian Ocean territories of Mayotte and Madagascar. Mayotte, a French overseas department, is still recovering from devastating cyclone impacts experienced in December. Similarly, Madagascar’s northern regions are frequently prone to cyclonic activity, making them susceptible to heavy rains and flooding. Effective disaster preparedness and response strategies are crucial in mitigating the effects of such natural disasters on the local populations.
In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi has caused significant destruction, particularly in Madagascar, leading to loss of life and widespread flooding, while Mayotte remains under alert due to the cyclone’s proximity. The mobilization of emergency response teams and the establishment of shelter centers demonstrate the efforts underway to support affected individuals. With expectations of the cyclone re-intensifying, continued vigilance and assistance will be necessary to address the challenges posed by these natural disasters.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
