Mayotte on Alert as Tropical Storm Dikeledi Passes, Threat Remains
Mayotte is under high alert as storm Dikeledi moves away, though still posing a threat. The storm caused heavy rains and flooding, killing three in Madagascar but leaving no casualties reported in Mayotte. The territory, still recovering from a cyclone in December, is urged to remain vigilant as additional severe weather is expected.
Mayotte is currently on high alert as the tropical storm Dikeledi, which has recently affected the region, has moved away, yet still poses a potential threat. According to officials, the storm caused significant rainfall and flooding in the area, though the French territory itself has reported no casualties. France’s Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, emphasized the severe impacts felt in regions such as Madagascar, where the storm resulted in three fatalities. Dikeledi struck Madagascar’s northern coast before its intensity diminished, heading toward Mozambique, where another cyclone had previously caused extensive destruction.
Following the devastation of a cyclone in December that impacted Mayotte significantly, officials have warned that the territory remains highly vulnerable. Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville confirmed that while there have been no reported casualties on the island, the severe atmospheric conditions, including heavy wind and rainfall, continue to pose dangers, especially to those affected by the previous cyclone. Local emergency services reported that flooding resulted in the inundation of various villages and houses in the southern regions of Mayotte.
Authorities have declared a red alert in Mayotte, warning residents against movement except for essential services, and have mobilized over 4,000 personnel to assist in emergency and rescue operations. Furthermore, temporary accommodation centers have been established to provide shelter for displaced individuals. The current weather conditions have led to fears of further hardships, as a second bout of severe weather is anticipated to bring additional rain to the fragile territory.
Mayotte, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, has been grappling with increased vulnerability due to severe weather events, particularly cyclones. In mid-December, Cyclone Chido ravaged the territory, causing extensive destruction, loss of lives, and displacement of residents, especially in shanty towns. The region is still recovering when a new tropical storm, Dikeledi, approached, exacerbating the existing challenges. Home to a population of approximately 320,000, with many undocumented residents, Mayotte’s infrastructure and preparedness continue to be tested by recurrent storms and their follow-up conditions.
The situation in Mayotte remains precarious as the region faces continued weather challenges from storm Dikeledi. While the storm has moved away, the threat level remains high due to potential additional rainfall and the aftermath of previous severe weather incidents, which have already caused significant destruction. Authorities are mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact on the vulnerable communities, and the outlook requires ongoing monitoring and support for the affected populations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
