Mayotte is on high alert as storm Dikeledi approaches, following the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido less than a month ago. Authorities have issued a red alert for severe weather, including heavy rainfall and strong winds. The local government is mobilizing resources to safeguard residents, particularly vulnerable populations still recovering from the previous cyclone’s impact. Emergency preparations are in effect to mitigate risks associated with the impending storm.
On Sunday, residents of Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, prepared for the impending storm Dikeledi, which is expected to bring severe weather, including strong winds and flash floods. Less than a month following the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Chido, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction, authorities issued a red alert effective from 1900 GMT on Saturday. Dikeledi, initially a cyclone that struck Madagascar, has weakened but is anticipated to intensify again as it approaches Mayotte.
Following a recent cyclone that left at least 39 people dead and over 5,600 injured, Mayotte’s officials have urged its citizens to maintain extreme caution. The weather service, Meteo-France, warned of heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and potential landslides, alongside wind gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour. Residents have been asked to prepare and seek shelter, while the government mobilized more than 4,000 personnel to offer assistance.
Francis-Xavier Bieuville, the region’s top official, emphasized the importance of safety measures, deciding to advance the red alert to allow ample time for the public to seek refuge. Meanwhile, Ismahane, a resident, expressed her concerns regarding the storm, stating she had stocked up on essential supplies. The population, officially at 320,000, faces significant risks, especially among undocumented residents living in precarious conditions that were affected by the earlier cyclone.
This region, still recovering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Chido, remains on high alert as storm Dikeledi threatens to bring further complications and disaster, thus prompting increased efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities.
To mitigate impending threats, local authorities initiated plans to reopen accommodation centers for displaced individuals and deployed emergency responders, particularly in areas previously devastated by flooding.
Cyclone Chido struck Mayotte in mid-December, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage. The cyclone’s impact marked the most severe storm to affect the territory in nearly a century. As Mayotte confronts the approach of storm Dikeledi, which threatens to exacerbate the already precarious situation, residents and officials are on high alert, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather events. The history of cyclones in the area necessitates a robust response to burgeoning natural disasters, especially with a population that includes numerous undocumented residents living in precarious conditions. The lessons learned from Cyclone Chido are pivotal in guiding the emergency strategies employed for the anticipated storm. With officials urging citizens to prepare for Dikeledi, the inherent risks and challenges faced by the populace underscore the urgent need for effective disaster management protocols.
In summary, Mayotte is bracing for the approaching storm Dikeledi, following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido less than a month prior. Authorities have implemented precautionary measures, including a red weather alert, to ensure public safety amid warnings of heavy rains, flash floods, and potential landslides. Efforts are underway to provide shelter and resources for vulnerable populations, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the region in the wake of repeated cyclonic threats.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
