Tropical Storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte after causing fatal floods in Madagascar, where three lives were lost. Initially a cyclone, Dikeledi weakened while approaching Mayotte, which was placed on red alert due to heavy predicted rainfall and wind. Over 4,000 personnel have been mobilized for disaster response efforts in Mayotte as the storm potentially intensifies in the coming days.
A tropical storm named Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte, after causing heavy rainfall and flash floods that claimed three lives in Madagascar. Initially striking Madagascar as a cyclone, Dikeledi weakened into a severe tropical storm while traversing the region. On Sunday afternoon, the storm was recorded as being 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, with its closest approach occurring just prior in the morning.
On Saturday evening, due to the impending storm, Mayotte was placed on red alert. This storm comes in the wake of a catastrophic cyclone that affected the region less than a month ago, responsible for over 39 fatalities and thousands of injuries. The brunt of this recent storm’s impact was felt most acutely in the northern Madagascar province of Antsiranana, where significant rainfall led to three confirmed deaths and over 900 affected individuals.
As Dikeledi continued to impact Mayotte, meteorological reports indicated gusts reaching 80 to 90 kilometers per hour, particularly affecting southern areas of the island. Despite formal travel restrictions during the red alert, residents were observed working on their homes or engaging in outdoor activities such as washing vehicles, revealing a mixed sentiment of concern and resilience among the population.
More than 4,000 emergency responders, including police and military personnel, have been mobilized to assist in disaster response efforts across Mayotte, establishing approximately 80 accommodation centers to harbor nearly 14,500 displaced residents. Predictive analysis by Meteo-France suggests a potential reclassification of Dikeledi back to a cyclone status in the upcoming days, as it intensifies upon shifting directions towards the south and southeast.
The Indian Ocean region frequently experiences tropical storms and cyclones, particularly during the cyclone season, which can have devastating effects on island territories such as Madagascar and Mayotte. Cyclones cause immense destruction, leading to loss of life and significant economic tolls on the affected areas. The recent storm, Dikeledi, exemplifies the ongoing vulnerability of these territories to severe weather events, particularly given their prior experiences with similar disasters, such as the devastating cyclone that struck prior to Dikeledi’s arrival.
In conclusion, the movement of Storm Dikeledi away from Mayotte highlights the ongoing challenges faced by island communities in the Indian Ocean with recurrent tropical storms and cyclones. The storm has already had tragic consequences in Madagascar, resulting in fatalities and widespread impact. With the ongoing preparations and mobilization of resources in Mayotte, vigilance and resilience remain essential as the region braces for potential further storm intensification.
Original Source: www.france24.com
