Tropical Storm Dikeledi Moves Away from Mayotte After Fatalities in Madagascar
A tropical storm, Dikeledi, has moved away from Mayotte, causing severe flooding and three fatalities in Madagascar. The storm weakened after initially impacting Madagascar’s northern coast and prompted a red alert in Mayotte. Emergency response teams are in place as the storm is expected to intensify again, indicating ongoing weather threats in the region.
On Sunday, a tropical storm known as Dikeledi began to drift away from the French territory of Mayotte following severe weather that led to flash floods and claimed three lives in Madagascar. The cyclone initially struck Madagascar’s northern shore on Saturday evening but lost intensity and became a tropical storm. Reports indicated that the storm was positioned approximately 160 kilometers south of Mayotte by Sunday afternoon, moving away from the island as the local weather service, Meteo-France, confirmed it would no longer pose a direct threat.
Following the storm’s approach, Mayotte had been placed on red alert, recalling memories of a devastating cyclone that struck the area in mid-December, resulting in extensive destruction and numerous casualties. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) reported that three fatalities occurred due to the intense storms in northern Madagascar, significantly affecting the Antsiranana province.
In Mayotte, residents reacted with heightened vigilance as they braced for the anticipated impact of Dikeledi, fearful due to prior experiences from the earlier cyclone. The subsequent downpours triggered flooding, particularly in southern locales with considerable damage reported in the village of Mbouini. While authorities imposed movement restrictions, some individuals ventured outdoors amidst the emergency protocols.
Local leaders and officials mobilized more than 4,000 responders to assist in managing the aftermath, with accommodation facilities prepared to support around 14,500 displaced individuals. Forecasts indicated the possibility of Dikeledi intensifying back into a cyclone as it shifted its trajectory, prompting warnings of severe weather conditions across the region, including the Comoros and Mozambique.
The Indian Ocean region has been significantly challenged by severe weather phenomena, particularly tropical cyclones which frequently impact coastal communities. The cyclone Dikeledi represents the ongoing vulnerability of the region, especially after recent catastrophes, such as the destructive cyclone that occurred in December 2022 in Mayotte, causing severe damage and loss of life. The record of such weather events emphasizes the necessity for effective disaster management and timely responses to protect populations from natural calamities. Furthermore, populations in these areas, particularly in Madagascar and Mayotte, often face heightened exposure due to socio-economic vulnerabilities, necessitating ongoing vigilance and preparedness against tropical storms.
In summary, the tropical storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte after causing significant rainfall and loss of life in Madagascar. The region’s residents remain on high alert due to memories of past cyclones, and emergency responses are in place to address the needs of those affected. While Dikeledi is expected to intensify again, the response efforts are crucial to mitigate the impact on this vulnerable community. The situation signifies the ongoing challenges posed by tropical storms in the Indian Ocean and the need for coordinated disaster management efforts.
Original Source: www.france24.com
