Cyclone Dikeledi Moves Away from Mayotte, Causes Fatalities in Madagascar

Cyclone Dikeledi has departed from Mayotte while causing flash flooding and three fatalities in Madagascar. The affected regions are under continued alert, mobilizing thousands for recovery efforts amidst ongoing weather concerns. This cyclone comes shortly after the severe impact of Cyclone Chido last month, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from the French territory of Mayotte, although the region remains under red alert until Monday evening. The cyclone caused significant flash flooding in the nearby island of Madagascar, tragically resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The storm made landfall near Madagascar’s northern coast as a cyclone on Saturday night before weakening to a severe tropical storm.

Météo-France reported that the Antsiranana province in northern Madagascar experienced the most severe weather due to Dikeledi. As the storm approached Mayotte, winds reached speeds of 80–90 km/h, prompting local officials to implement a red alert. The historical context is significant, as this cyclone follows the destructive Cyclone Chido, which left at least 39 dead and over 5,600 injured last month.

As of Sunday morning, the cyclone was approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte. The local population, estimated between 320,000 residents and an additional 100,000–200,000 undocumented individuals, expressed concern for the potential impacts of the storm after experiencing devastation in December. In the wake of the cyclone, the local government mobilized 4,000 officials to manage the situation, establishing over 80 accommodation centers for approximately 14,500 displaced residents.

Despite the red alert, some residents were seen venturing outdoors, and public travel was restricted to authorized personnel only. The storm is anticipated to regain cyclone status as it progresses southward towards new areas, including Mozambique.

The weather service forecasts that Dikeledi may re-intensify, possibly reaching the stage of an intense tropical cyclone.

Cyclone Dikeledi has impacted the islands of Mayotte and Madagascar, showcasing the vulnerabilities faced by both regions. This storm comes on the heels of Cyclone Chido, which left extensive damage in December, resulting in a heightened state of alert for subsequent storms. The precarious situation of local residents, exacerbated by a lack of infrastructure and resources, raises significant concerns over future cyclones, particularly in terms of evacuations and disaster preparedness. The French government’s response illustrates ongoing challenges in disaster management and recovery for Mayotte, an overseas territory with many undocumented residents who are particularly at risk during such natural disasters.

In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte but has left a trail of destruction in Madagascar, with three fatalities reported and over 900 affected. Local authorities are managing the aftermath with heightened preparedness, evacuations, and ongoing recovery efforts amidst a backdrop of previous cyclonic devastation. As Dikeledi potentially re-intensifies and approaches new regions, the region remains vigilant in ensuring the safety and welfare of its residents against future storms.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr