Mayotte Faces New Threat from Tropical Storm Dikeledi Following Cyclone Chido
Mayotte is currently under red alert due to Tropical Storm Dikeledi, following the devastation from Cyclone Chido just weeks prior. Residents have been urged to remain indoors and stock essential supplies as the storm brings heavy rain and wind. The territory is still recovering from the previous cyclone disaster, which left numerous casualties and damage.
Mayotte is facing a dire situation as it grapples with the impact of Tropical Storm Dikeledi, which struck just weeks after the catastrophic Cyclone Chido caused widespread devastation. A red alert has been issued, urging residents to remain indoors and secure essential supplies such as food and water. The island, still recovering from the trauma of Cyclone Chido, is now under threat from heavy rains and strong winds associated with Dikeledi.
The destruction from Cyclone Chido, which resulted in at least 39 fatalities and left over 5,000 injured, has made the region particularly vulnerable. Currently, around 200 individuals remain unaccounted for following that storm. As Dikeledi approached, its intensity diminished, yet meteorological warnings indicated the possibility of its re-strengthening into a cyclone. Flooding and landslides have been foreseen, and precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of residents.
The Mayotte Prefecture has designated cyclone shelters in schools and community centers for those displaced. Dikeledi has inflicted catastrophic damage, notably in the village of Mbouini, where flooding has destroyed homes. The precarious living conditions in this densely populated territory, which houses approximately 320,000 residents along with an estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants, raise concerns over the government’s response and readiness for future disasters.
Mayotte, an island territory in the Indian Ocean, constitutes France’s poorest department. It has recently experienced significant climatic adversities, particularly Cyclone Chido, which was the most severe storm the islands have faced in almost a century. This cyclone’s aftermath left numerous residents vulnerable and in desperate need of assistance. The current cyclone season, spanning from November to April, sees frequent severe weather patterns in the region. Such storms have a devastating impact, not only due to the immediate threats they pose but also because of the long-lasting socioeconomic challenges they create for the local population and undocumented migrants residing in Mayotte.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has exacerbated the already critical situation in Mayotte, where the population is still recovering from Cyclone Chido’s unprecedented damage. The issuance of a red alert reflects the urgency of the risk posed by potential flooding and further cyclone activity. The region’s history of neglect highlights the ongoing struggle for aid and preparedness, particularly for the vulnerable groups within its densely populated communities. As the region braces for further impacts, the resilience of its people and the intervention of authorities will be crucial in navigating this crisis.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
