Cyclone Dikeledi Leaves Three Dead in Madagascar as It Exits Mayotte

Cyclone Dikeledi is moving away from Mayotte while leaving devastation in Madagascar, where three fatalities and over 900 displaced people have been reported. Mayotte is under a red alert due to potential flooding. Efforts are in place for disaster management, and a reassessment of the storm’s intensity is expected soon.

Cyclone Dikeledi is gradually moving away from the French territory of Mayotte, where a red alert remains in effect until Monday evening. This severe weather event struck northern Madagascar on Saturday, causing flash floods that have resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals as well as affecting over 900 residents. According to Météo-France, the area most severely impacted is the Antsiranana province in the northern tip of Madagascar. While Dikeledi has weakened to a tropical storm, forecasts indicate a potential intensification as it progresses southwards.

Cyclone Dikeledi’s emergence follows a series of destructive storms affecting Mayotte, including Cyclone Chido, which devastated the region last December. The islands’ infrastructure remains vulnerable due to prior cyclonic damage, raising concerns among the population regarding the potential repercussions of Dikeledi, especially given the area’s history of being France’s poorest department. Measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of residents, including mobilization of 4,000 officials for disaster response and temporary accommodation for displaced individuals.

In conclusion, Cyclone Dikeledi has inflicted considerable damage in Madagascar, resulting in fatalities and widespread flooding. Mayotte continues to endure adverse weather conditions, prompting ongoing emergency responses from local authorities. Monitoring efforts by Météo-France suggest the cyclone may reintensify as it progresses, highlighting the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in the region. As communities recover from this and previous cyclones, the French government has committed to providing aid and support for reconstruction efforts.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr