Mayotte Faces New Storm Dikeledi Following Cyclone Chido’s Wrath

Mayotte has been struck by Tropical Storm Dikeledi just weeks after Cyclone Chido caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Authorities have issued warnings for severe weather, prompting the closure of schools and the airport while reopening emergency shelters. With over 4,000 personnel deployed for assistance, critical recovery efforts are underway in a region grappling with poverty and vulnerability to natural disasters.

The French territory of Mayotte is grappling with another tropical storm, Dikeledi, that struck on Sunday, following the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido just weeks earlier. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and prepare for severe weather conditions, as Dikeledi is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to this impoverished region, known to be the poorest department in France. The storm’s trajectory places it about 100 kilometers south of Mayotte, which is still in the recovery phase from the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido last month that led to significant loss of life and displacement.

The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left Mayotte in a vulnerable state, with the latest storm raising fears of flooding and landslides. Dikeledi initially struck Madagascar as a cyclone but weakened upon reaching Mayotte. Meteorologists have warned that Dikeledi could regain strength, prompting a red alert for the islands, which remains in effect. Emergency shelters have been reopened in schools and community centers to accommodate those affected, while the local airport, damaged previously, remains closed.

Following the calamity of Cyclone Chido, which was the most severe cyclone to impact Mayotte in nearly a century, there are ongoing efforts to assist the population, particularly in the capital, Mamoudzou, where infrastructure is severely compromised. The French government mobilized significant emergency resources, with over 4,000 personnel deployed to assist, particularly in shantytowns that bore the brunt of Chido’s destruction. Local reports indicate that entire villages, such as Mbouini, which had escaped the worst of Chido, have suffered extensive flooding as a result of Dikeledi.

Mayotte, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean and part of France, is witnessing repeated severe weather events, significantly affecting its already troubled infrastructure and social services. The region is primarily vulnerable due to its high population density and the presence of undocumented migrants. Cyclone Chido recently caused extensive damage and loss of life, setting the stage for further misery as tropical storm Dikeledi has coincided with ongoing recovery efforts. Cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean lasts from November to April, and severe storms have been increasingly frequent, raising concerns about climate change and its impacts on vulnerable regions.

In summary, the recent impact of Tropical Storm Dikeledi on the Mayotte islands illustrates the severe challenges faced by this French territory as it recovers from Cyclone Chido’s devastation. Ongoing emergency measures and evacuations highlight the urgency of addressing the needs of the population, which continues to bear the brunt of environmental adversities exacerbated by socio-economic difficulties. The region remains susceptible to future storms as the cyclone season persists, necessitating preparedness and vigilance from both local and national authorities.

Original Source: www.wral.com