Mayotte on Red Alert as Cyclone Dikeledi Approaches Following Previous Devastation

Mayotte is once again on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi heads towards the French territory after Cyclone Chido’s severe impact last month. The Prefecture of Mayotte has declared an emergency, anticipating strong winds and heavy rainfall, while officials prepare for potential mudslides. Mayotte’s recovery from the previous cyclone has been slow, raising concerns as the region braces for further natural calamities.

Mayotte is under a red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches the French territory on Saturday. The Prefecture of Mayotte issued the warning at 10 p.m. local time due to the cyclone’s impending arrival after making landfall in northern Madagascar. Emergency and law enforcement services are prepared to protect the public, even as the cyclone is expected to weaken to a strong tropical storm before reaching Mayotte.

Dikeledi poses risks of heavy rainfall and strong winds, with gusts anticipated at 110 kph. Although projected to pass approximately 75 kilometers south of Mayotte, the cyclone could still cause damage. The region remains vulnerable as it has yet to recover fully from Cyclone Chido, which struck a month ago, resulting in significant devastation and casualties.

Cyclone Chido was reported as the worst storm in nearly a century for Mayotte, claiming a minimum of 39 lives and injuring over 2,000 individuals. The final death toll from Chido may be much higher, as warned by French Prime Minister François Bayrou during a recent visit to the islands. Chido’s impact resulted in destruction to entire neighborhoods and affected the region’s population of over 320,000, including many migrants living in precarious conditions.

There is concern over potential mudslides and further flooding as Dikeledi approaches, even though it is not expected to be as powerful as Chido. The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, running from November to April, has produced several devastating storms over the years. Cyclone Idai in 2019 remains memorable, its impact extends across multiple countries, leaving thousands affected and dead.

Cyclone Dikeledi is prompting a state of emergency on the French territory of Mayotte, following the recent trauma from Cyclone Chido. Mayotte suffered tremendously from Chido, which emerged as a historically devastating cyclone. The region is particularly susceptible due to its population density and the existence of vulnerable migrant communities living in informal settlements. The frequency and severity of cyclones in the area during the cyclone season highlight the urgency of preparation and response measures.

The impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi places Mayotte in another precarious situation, especially as the region has not yet recovered from the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. With emergency measures in place, the focus remains on protecting the local population from potential flooding and mudslides. The patterns of frequent cyclonic activity in the southwestern Indian Ocean underline the need for continuous vigilance and preparedness among the residents and authorities.

Original Source: apnews.com