Mayotte is currently dealing with Tropical Storm Dikeledi, just weeks after Cyclone Chido caused widespread devastation, resulting in 39 fatalities and over 200 missing. The storm prompted officials to issue safety alerts, urging residents to stay indoors as the territory braces for further potential flooding and damage. Emergency personnel are on standby to assist in recovery efforts in the wake of Chido’s destruction.
Cape Town, January 12 (AP) – The French territory of Mayotte is facing renewed adversity as Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck the islands just weeks after being ravaged by Cyclone Chido, the worst in nearly a century. Citizens were advised to remain indoors or seek sturdy shelter while stocking up on food and water as heavy rains and winds battered the region, which is the poorest department in France. Mayotte has only just started to rebuild from the destruction left by Chido, which led to at least 39 confirmed fatalities, over 200 individuals missing, and more than 5,000 injured following its landfall on December 14.
Although initially a cyclone when it passed Madagascar, Dikeledi weakened to a tropical storm upon arrival in Mayotte. Meteo-France reported that the storm is anticipated to intensify into a cyclone again, with warnings for flooding and landslides prompting a red alert from local authorities. The precarious situation led to the reopening of cyclone shelters, particularly in schools and community centers, as residents prepared for further impacts.
The French government, responding to the challenges posed by Cyclone Chido, deployed over 4,000 emergency personnel focused on high-risk areas and more vulnerable shantytowns around Mamoudzou. Following the devastation of Chido, residents expressed frustration over perceived governmental neglect during a subsequent visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. With Mayotte housing around 320,000 residents and around 100,000 undocumented migrants, the need for effective disaster response is critical.
Mayotte is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, and is the poorest territory of France, classified as the poorest department in the European Union. The region has been severely affected by natural disasters, including the recent Cyclone Chido that struck in mid-December 2022. The devastating cyclone left the islands in dire need of recovery while claiming numerous lives and causing extensive infrastructural damage. The ongoing cyclone season, extending from November to April, has historically subjected the islands to severe weather events, and the recent arrival of Tropical Storm Dikeledi is a continuation of this troubling trend.
In summary, Mayotte is once again encountering significant challenges as Tropical Storm Dikeledi brings further hardship following the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido. The French government has mobilized substantial resources to aid in the response efforts, and residents remain under strict safety measures to mitigate risks associated with the storm. The ongoing vulnerability of Mayotte, amid repeated adverse weather phenomena, emphasizes the pressing need for improved infrastructure and adequate disaster management strategies in the territory.
Original Source: www.latestly.com
