Tropical storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte but caused flash floods resulting in three deaths in Madagascar. The storm peaked as a cyclone before weakening and was expected to reclassify as a cyclone again. Local authorities remain on high alert, and relief operations are underway following significant rain and wind impact on the islands.
A tropical storm, identified as Dikeledi, moved away from Mayotte after causing significant rainfall and flash flooding that resulted in three fatalities in Madagascar. The storm, which struck the northern coast of Madagascar as a cyclone on Saturday evening, subsequently weakened into a severe tropical storm. As of Sunday afternoon, Dikeledi was approximately 160 kilometers south of Mayotte and was forecasted to intensify into a cyclone again by Monday. The region continues to experience adverse weather conditions, raising concerns among local residents, particularly in the wake of December’s devastating cyclone that caused extensive damage and claimed numerous lives.
In anticipation of Dikeledi’s impact, Mayotte was placed on red alert, with warnings for high winds and potential flooding. Gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour were reported, primarily in the island’s southern regions. Following the red alert declaration, travel restrictions were enforced, allowing movement only for emergency responders. Despite the warnings, some residents ventured outdoors to attend to damaged properties. Over 4,000 personnel, including police and military forces, were mobilized to assist in managing the situation.
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management documented the severe impact on Madagascar’s Antsiranana province, stating that more than 900 individuals had been affected by the floods. Accommodation centers were established across Mayotte to support those displaced by the storm’s aftermath. With the region still recovering from the previous cyclone’s devastation, residents expressed profound concern about the potential for additional damage. The situation remains concerning as Dikeledi may regain strength while continuing its southward trajectory toward Mozambique.
The recent tropical storm Dikeledi has underscored the vulnerability of the Indian Ocean islands, particularly Mayotte and northern Madagascar, to extreme weather events. With a history of severe cyclones, including one that caused significant fatalities and destruction in December, the local populations are often faced with the dual challenges of natural disasters and inadequate infrastructure. The storm’s reclassification and potential intensification highlight the ongoing threats posed by climatic fluctuations in this region. Mayotte, a French territorial island, has a substantial undocumented population living in precarious conditions, heightening the risks associated with such storms. Previous cyclone responses reveal challenges in disaster management and recovery efforts, necessitating thorough preparation and support for the affected populations.
In conclusion, the tropical storm Dikeledi has had profound implications for the islands of Mayotte and Madagascar, resulting in loss of life and raising concerns among local residents due to recent weather events. As the storm moves away from Mayotte, the anticipated reclassification to a cyclone indicates a continuing threat to surrounding regions. The situation remains delicate, requiring coordinated efforts to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impacts of this natural disaster.
Original Source: www.france24.com
