Mayotte faces a new tropical storm, Dikeledi, just weeks after Cyclone Chido devastated the islands, killing at least 39 and leaving over 200 missing. A red alert warns of flooding and landslides as authorities mobilize emergency services to protect residents and clear infrastructure. Frustration mounts among residents towards the French government for perceived neglect.
Mayotte, situated in the Indian Ocean, has recently encountered another tropical storm, Dikeledi, just weeks following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, which resulted in the loss of at least 39 lives and left over 200 individuals unaccounted for. On Saturday, the archipelago, located between Madagascar and Mozambique, experienced significant rainfall and strong winds, prompting authorities to issue a red alert. This advisory, currently in effect, advises residents to remain indoors or seek sturdy shelter due to heightened risks of landslides and flooding across the islands. The center of the storm passed approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte as reported by Meteo-France.
The situation remains dire as officials aim to mitigate the consequences of Dikeledi on the already devastated infrastructure from the previous cyclone. Restoration efforts had barely commenced, especially in areas hard-hit by Cyclone Chido, which was the most severe cyclone to strike Mayotte in nearly a century. Due to the ongoing adverse weather, military forces have been deployed to clear obstructed roads, demonstrating a robust response from the National Gendarmerie. The southern village of Mbouini, which had originally escaped the damage from Chido, is reported to have sustained severe flooding and damage from Dikeledi.
In light of the recent natural disasters, cyclone shelters have been established in schools and community centers across Mayotte. The national airport, previously affected by Cyclone Chido, remains closed as officials work to ensure heightened safety for the population amidst the emergency conditions. Critically, Mayotte’s population has previously expressed frustrations with the French government, accusing it of neglecting the territory, the poorest region in the European Union.
Despite the challenges faced during the post-cyclone recovery, including the need to address the deaths of undocumented migrants and the customary burial practices within the Muslim community, both emergency personnel and security forces remain mobilized in response to the impending storm.
Mayotte has recently experienced devastating weather events that have compounded the challenges faced by its inhabitants. Cyclone Chido, which struck on December 14, 2024, marked the worst cyclone to hit the islands in 90 years, resulting in extensive damage and a tragic loss of life. As recovery efforts began, they were impeded by the arrival of Tropical Storm Dikeledi, necessitating further emergency responses while highlighting systemic issues related to local infrastructure and governmental support. The dynamic between the residents of Mayotte and the French government has been strained, particularly following the recent catastrophes, raising ongoing concerns about neglect and resource allocation.
In summary, Mayotte is currently grappling with the repercussions of Tropical Storm Dikeledi just weeks after suffering devastation from Cyclone Chido. The red alert status reflects the urgent need for residents to seek safety due to the increased risks of flooding and landslides. As the community continues to face hardships, the complications from previous disasters underscore the critical importance of robust governmental response and support for this vulnerable region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
