Mayotte Issues Red Alert as Cyclone Dikeledi Approaches Following Devastation from Cyclone Chido
Mayotte is on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido last month. Emergency services are mobilized as strong winds and heavy rains are anticipated. The region remains vulnerable, having recently experienced severe damage and loss of life from the previous cyclone.
Mayotte, a French territory located off the east coast of Africa, has been placed under a red alert due to the impending approach of Cyclone Dikeledi. The alert was issued by the Prefecture of Mayotte on Saturday evening, following the cyclone’s landfall in northern Madagascar. Although Dikeledi is anticipated to weaken to a strong tropical storm by the time it reaches Mayotte, it is still expected to bring significant winds and heavy rains, raising concerns for the already vulnerable population in the islands, which recently faced devastating effects from Cyclone Chido.
Authorities have mobilized emergency and law enforcement services to safeguard residents as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches. The French meteorological department predicts that winds could reach gusts of up to 110 kilometers per hour and caution against the possibility of mudslides resulting from heavy rainfall. Mayotte is still recovering from the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido, which left at least 39 confirmed fatalities and thousands of injuries last month, marking one of the most severe storms to impact the region in nearly a century.
The recent activation of a red alert in Mayotte highlights the ongoing challenges faced by this densely populated archipelago, particularly during the cyclone season, which spans from November to April. Over the past few years, the region has experienced multiple powerful cyclones, with Cyclone Idai in 2019 becoming one of the worst, resulting in significant loss of life across Southern Africa. The islands of Mayotte, consisting of over 320,000 inhabitants along with around 100,000 migrants, remain particularly vulnerable due to inadequate housing conditions and susceptibility to natural disasters, which exacerbates their socio-economic issues.
In summary, Mayotte is bracing for the arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi while still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which devastated the territory just a month prior. Although Dikeledi may not match the intensity of Chido, authorities remain vigilant due to the potential for severe weather conditions. The effective mobilization of emergency services is critical in ensuring the safety of the population as the island prepares for another storm during this challenging cyclone season.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
