Mayotte Faces Another Threat as Cyclone Dikeledi Approaches After Chido’s Destruction
Mayotte has been placed on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, after recently suffering from Cyclone Chido’s devastating effects. Emergency measures are being taken to protect residents, with Dikeledi expected to bring strong winds and rain, despite predictions of it weakening before landfall.
The French territory of Mayotte has been placed on red alert due to the impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi, which made landfall in Madagascar before heading towards the islands off the African coast. This warning was announced by the Prefecture of Mayotte on Saturday evening, as preparation measures are being escalated to ensure the safety of residents. Although Dikeledi is anticipated to downgrade to a strong tropical storm, it is still expected to bring severe winds and heavy rainfall, posing a serious risk of mudslides across the region.
Mayotte is still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, the worst storm in nearly a century, which struck the island last month, resulting in significant destruction and a tragic loss of life. Authorities report that Cyclone Chido resulted in at least 39 fatalities and over 2,000 injuries, with potential for the final death count to rise further. The densely populated archipelago, home to over 320,000 residents, has seen vulnerable populations living in precarious conditions particularly affected by both cyclones.
Cyclone season, occurring from November to April in the southwestern Indian Ocean, has seen a troubling increase in the frequency and intensity of these storms in recent years. The region was notably impacted by Cyclone Idai in 2019, which resulted in over 1,500 deaths across several countries. As Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, authorities remain vigilant, prepared for any adverse effects that may emerge from this latest weather event.
Mayotte, a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean, has a history of being affected by severe weather conditions, particularly during the cyclone season that lasts from November to April. Recent years have seen devastating storms, such as Cyclone Idai, which underscored the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Following Cyclone Chido’s destructive path, which devastated Mayotte and led to substantial casualties and damage, local authorities are now bracing for the arrival of another cyclone, demonstrating the ongoing challenges faced by the territory.
In summary, the impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi poses a significant risk to Mayotte, a territory still recovering from the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. Authorities are on high alert to safeguard the population as they prepare for severe weather conditions, accentuating the need for improved disaster preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent cyclonic threats in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
