Mayotte Struggles with New Tropical Storm Dikeledi After Recent Cyclone Devastation
Mayotte has been hit by Tropical Storm Dikeledi, shortly after Cyclone Chido devastated the islands, leaving many dead and missing. Authorities have issued warnings of potential flooding and landslides, advising residents to stay indoors. The international airport remains closed, and emergency personnel are on high alert as the population confronts further threats after recent destruction.
On January 12, 2023, Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, experienced severe weather as Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck the islands only weeks after they had endured Cyclone Chido, the most destructive cyclone in nearly a century. The cyclonic destruction prior had resulted in a death toll of at least thirty-nine individuals, with over two hundred still unaccounted for, and injuries affecting more than five thousand residents. The local authorities have advised residents to remain indoors and secure food and water supplies as they prepare for potential flooding and landslides associated with Dikeledi.
Meteo-France reported that although Dikeledi weakened to a tropical storm before reaching Mayotte, there was still potential for it to regain cyclone strength. The storm’s center would travel approximately 100 kilometers south of the islands. Mayotte officials quickly responded by enforcing a red alert and issuing warnings to prevent civilian movement until conditions improved.
Previously, the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido prompted public outcry against the French government from local citizens, frustrated by perceived neglect. In light of the recent destruction, more than four thousand emergency personnel have been deployed in preparation for Dikeledi’s landfall, focusing on populations in vulnerable shantytown areas. Furthermore, the international airport, heavily affected by Cyclone Chido, remains closed as the islands brace against further storm damage.
Mayotte is an archipelago known for its dense population of around 320,000 residents, alongside an estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants drawn to the area by France’s welfare system. The island has historically faced challenges due to its socioeconomic conditions, and repeated natural disasters, particularly during cyclone season (November to April), exacerbate the situation. Cyclone Chido, which struck in December, has left the territory in a state of recovery, compounding the difficulties experienced by local communities when faced with yet another storm, Dikeledi.
In conclusion, Mayotte faces significant challenges as it grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido and the impending threat of Tropical Storm Dikeledi. The loss of life and damage from recent storms underscores the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and enhanced support from the French government. The situation calls for immediate attention to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of Mayotte, particularly those in vulnerable living conditions.
Original Source: www.latestly.com
