Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte, where a red alert continues, while heavy flash flooding in Madagascar has resulted in three fatalities. The storm, which struck Madagascar as a cyclone, caused considerable distress and damage in affected regions, particularly Antsiranana province.
Cyclone Dikeledi has recently moved away from Mayotte, although the French territory remains on red alert until Monday evening. This storm caused significant flash flooding in Madagascar, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives. Initially a cyclone, Dikeledi made landfall on the northern coast of Madagascar on Saturday before weakening into a severe tropical storm, with Antsiranana province experiencing the most severe conditions. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported that over 900 individuals have been affected by the tempestuous rains.
On Sunday morning, Mayotte faced sustained winds reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour, with the storm passing approximately 100 kilometers south of the island. Due to the recent cyclone Chido’s devastation in December, which resulted in the deaths of at least 39 individuals, locals expressed considerable anxiety about Dikeledi’s potential impact. The situation in Madagascar is particularly dire, as flooding has impacted various localities, including the village of Mbouini.
As part of the precautionary measures, a red alert was declared in Mayotte, restricting travel except for essential services. Over 4,000 officials, including police and military personnel, have been deployed to manage the situation. Eighty accommodation centers have been established to house approximately 14,500 displaced individuals. Meteorological forecasts indicate that Dikeledi may reclassify as a cyclone again on Monday, with expectations of intensified storms as it continues on its path, potentially impacting the nearby Comoros and Mozambique.
Cyclone Dikeledi has had a significant impact on the Indian Ocean region, particularly affecting Mayotte and Madagascar. Mayotte, a French overseas department, is accustomed to facing tropical cyclones, though the resurgence of cyclones and their devastating effects on infrastructure and civilian life have raised concerns among residents. The recent instance of Cyclone Chido, which wreaked havoc on the islands, further exacerbates fears regarding the impacts of successive storms, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the region and the need for effective disaster management strategies.
In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi’s passage has led to tragic consequences in Madagascar, claiming three lives and affecting numerous individuals while leaving Mayotte under red alert. The cyclone’s recent activities underscore the pressing need for vigilant disaster preparedness and response strategies in cyclone-prone regions. Continued monitoring will be essential, as Dikeledi is anticipated to reintensify and potentially impact additional areas in the following days.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
