Mayotte is on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. Emergency preparations are underway as authorities expect strong winds and heavy rains, although Dikeledi is anticipated to weaken before landfall. The islands are still recovering from the extensive damage of last month’s storm, which resulted in numerous casualties.
Mayotte, a French territory located off the eastern coast of Africa, has been placed on red alert due to the impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi. This cyclone follows close on the heels of Cyclone Chido, which recently devastated the islands, marking an unprecedented weather crisis. The Prefecture of Mayotte issued the warning at 10 p.m. local time in anticipation of Dikeledi’s approach, which was expected to result in severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall. Emergency services and law enforcement are mobilized in readiness to safeguard the local population.
Dikeledi made landfall earlier in northern Madagascar and was projected to reach Mayotte by early Sunday. Although it is expected to weaken into a strong tropical storm as it approaches the territory, forecasters from the French meteorological department indicated that wind gusts could reach up to 110 kilometers per hour (68 mph). Additionally, the cyclone’s trajectory is estimated to pass approximately 75 kilometers (46 miles) south of Mayotte, yet it will still pose significant risks related to wind and heavy rainfall.
The situation remains critical as Mayotte is still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which left at least 39 individuals dead and injured more than 2,000 others. French Prime Minister François Bayrou has warned that the death toll may ultimately be higher than initially reported. Cyclone Chido was described as the worst storm to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, causing widespread destruction and significantly impacting vulnerable communities. The islands, home to a diverse population of over 320,000 people, are still in recovery from the extensive damage caused by this recent disaster.
Natural disasters of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region, particularly during cyclone season, which spans from November to April. In recent years, many strong cyclones have impacted the southwestern Indian Ocean, including Cyclone Idai in 2019, which was particularly catastrophic, resulting in over 1,500 fatalities across several countries, including Madagascar, Mozambique, and Malawi. The frequency and intensity of these storms underscore the ongoing challenges faced by territories like Mayotte, where many residents reside in precarious conditions that exacerbate the impacts of such disasters.
Mayotte is an archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean, which serves as a French overseas department. It is known for its vulnerable geographical position, making it susceptible to tropical storms and cyclones, particularly during the cyclone season between November and April. The region is characterized by many socioeconomic challenges, exacerbated by natural disasters such as Cyclone Chido, which recently crossed the islands and led to substantial loss of life and property damage, affecting the poorest communities. Cyclone Dikeledi now poses a new threat, underscoring the critical need for emergency preparedness and response in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns.
The imminent arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi exacerbates an already dire situation in Mayotte, which has not yet fully recovered from the catastrophic impacts of Cyclone Chido. With emergency services on high alert and preemptive measures underway, the focus remains on protecting the vulnerable population of the islands. The situation reflects a growing pattern of extreme weather events in the region, calling for enhanced preparedness and relief efforts from authorities to mitigate potential devastation.
Original Source: apnews.com
