Cyclone Dikeledi Impacts Madagascar and Mayotte, Leaving Devastation in Its Wake

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Cyclone Dikeledi has caused severe flooding and at least three deaths in Madagascar, also affecting Mayotte, Comoros, and Mozambique. Over 20,000 evacuations occurred in Mayotte due to the storm, which followed the devastating Cyclone Chido. Emergency responses are underway as the cyclone is expected to intensify further in the region.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi recently struck Madagascar, resulting in at least three fatalities and significant flooding across the island. The cyclone, noted for its severe rainfall, also impacted the French territory of Mayotte, the Comoros Islands, and Mozambique, just weeks after Mayotte experienced Cyclone Chido, which was particularly devastating.

Formed in the Southern Indian Ocean, Dikeledi intensified before reaching northern Madagascar on January 11. A report from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations indicated that over 15,000 individuals were displaced in Madagascar, while approximately 20,000 residents were evacuated from Mayotte, highlighting the severe repercussions of the storm.

Although Dikeledi had weakened slightly upon reaching Mayotte, the area experienced strong winds, flash floods, and landslides on January 12. Flooding was particularly noted in Mbouini, a village previously unscathed by Cyclone Chido. Local resident Massa expressed their trauma, reflecting on the ongoing rainy season and uncertainty about future weather events.

French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, remarked on the intensity of the storm, stating, “Mayotte faced an intense tropical storm. The impact was violent.” Meanwhile, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, emphasized the territory’s fragile state as it continues to face powerful winds and rain.

As Cyclone Dikeledi proceeds southward through the Mozambique Channel, it is expected to strengthen further, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges to Madagascar, Mayotte, Comoros, and Mozambique over the next few days. Cyclone Chido had previously caused extensive damage to Mayotte, resulting in at least 36 deaths in the territory and over 120 fatalities in Mozambique.

In response to the crisis, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported ongoing emergency assistance efforts in Madagascar, including the distribution of emergency supplies and cash assistance to affected families.

In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi has wreaked havoc in Madagascar and surrounding regions, resulting in fatalities and extensive displacements. The cyclone’s impact has compounded the trauma experienced by Mayotte’s residents following Cyclone Chido. With ongoing emergency responses and forecasts of further intensification, the situation remains critical as communities prepare for additional severe weather.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com

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