Mayotte is preparing for the threat of storm Dikeledi, following the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido less than a month prior. Under red alert status, residents are advised to seek shelter as severe weather and flooding risks loom. Preparations include mobilizing emergency personnel and reopening accommodation centers to protect vulnerable populations.
In the aftermath of the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte less than a month ago, the French territory now faces the impending threat of a new storm named Dikeledi. Authorities have raised alarm bells, urging residents to exercise extreme vigilance as they brace for possible cyclone conditions. The storm is projected to bring intense winds and significant rainfall, heightening the risk of flooding and landslides in the region.
Mayotte has been placed under a red alert, effective since Saturday evening, with forecasts indicating that Dikeledi could closely approach the territory. While it initially struck northern Madagascar as a cyclone, it has now weakened to a severe tropical storm but may regain strength as it continues toward Mayotte. The French meteorological service, Meteo-France, has cautioned that it might be reclassified as a cyclone by Monday morning.
The specter of significant rain and wind deterioration looms over Mayotte, with predictions of dangerously high wind gusts and hazardous sea conditions. The local administration has advised the population to stock up on food and water supplies and seek protective shelter. Manuel Valls, France’s overseas territories minister, emphasized the need for caution, stating that, “Nothing is being left to chance.”
Following the destruction wrought by Cyclone Chido, which caused extensive damage, resulting in 39 fatalities and over 5,600 injuries, the government has mobilized over 4,000 personnel to prepare for the anticipated storm. Additionally, emergency accommodations are being re-established to ensure that vulnerable populations are adequately protected, particularly in areas such as Mamoudzou, where shantytowns are at heightened risk of mudslides and flooding.
Residents are understandably anxious, as demonstrated by Mayotte local Ismahane, who noted her concerns over the cumulative impact of two storms in such quick succession. She commented on her preparations, stating, “We are still not fully recovered, and I do not know if we are going to make it or not.”
As Mayotte confronts the threat of Dikeledi, the community remains on high alert, with precautions being actively implemented to mitigate the storm’s potential impact on an already vulnerable population.
The article addresses the recent cyclone disaster experienced by Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. Cyclone Chido was one of the most devastating storms to hit the region in decades, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage. With another storm, Dikeledi, threatening to exacerbate the situation, authorities are taking precautionary measures to safeguard the residents. This context underscores the fragility of the local infrastructure and the resilience needed to cope with such climatic adversities.
The situation in Mayotte serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. With the community still recovering from Cyclone Chido, the pending arrival of Dikeledi poses further threats that necessitate immediate action and preparedness. As the local authorities strive to protect the population, the resilience and response of the residents remain crucial in navigating the challenges posed by natural disasters. The call for vigilance and precautionary measures reflects an understanding of the impending risks and a commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Original Source: www.france24.com
