Mayotte has been placed on high alert as Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck just weeks after Cyclone Chido devastated the region, causing significant casualties. Authorities mandated residents to stay indoors and prepare supplies while cyclone shelters were reopened for those in need. The French government mobilized emergency services in response to the storm’s threats of flooding and landslides, amid ongoing concerns of neglect faced by the island’s inhabitants.
Mayotte faced another tropical storm, Dikeledi, mere weeks after recovering from Cyclone Chido, which struck in December, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. Following the approach of Dikeledi, authorities issued a red alert mandating residents to remain indoors while preparing emergency supplies. Affected areas were ordered to evacuate into cyclone shelters as heavy rains and strong winds threatened further devastation. Despite the storm weakening before reaching Mayotte, there remains a critical risk of flooding and landslides, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community still grieving from previous losses due to Cyclone Chido, which had claimed the lives of at least 39 individuals. The French government has mobilized emergency personnel to respond to the ongoing crisis, particularly in severely impacted regions like Mamoudzou.
The local population, which includes a significant number of undocumented migrants, has historically struggled with concerns regarding governmental neglect. As the cyclone season unfolds, predictions of further storms loom over the densely populated territory, compelling residents to remain vigilant amid a fragile recovery.
The situation in Mayotte is dire, as the region grapples with frequent tropical storms during the cyclone season, which spans from November through April. Cyclone Chido, noted as the worst in nearly a century, devastated the islands in December 2023, leading to numerous fatalities, significant injuries, and routine infrastructure damage, particularly affecting the impoverished communities. Tropical Storm Dikeledi’s arrival has intensified the urgency for disaster preparedness and has drawn attention to the longstanding issues of neglect faced by this French territory, which remains the poorest department in the European Union. The government has continuously worked to mobilize resources and ensure the safety of its citizens during these perilous weather events.
In summary, Mayotte is currently enduring the aftermath of Tropical Storm Dikeledi, arriving shortly after the catastrophic effects of Cyclone Chido. The combination of heavy rains and winds poses a serious threat of flooding and landslides, deeply impacting a population still in recovery. The French government’s efforts aim to safeguard lives and facilitate emergency measures, yet the challenges persist, particularly in addressing the needs of the vulnerable communities within this marginal territory.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
