Mayotte is preparing for another severe storm, Dikeledi, following the recent devastation by Cyclone Chido. Authorities have issued a red alert as heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to impact the territory. The government has mobilized emergency personnel and opened shelters for residents still recovering from Cyclone Chido’s destruction.
In the aftermath of the recent Cyclone Chido, which caused extensive destruction in Mayotte, the French territory is now preparing for another severe storm, Dikeledi. Authorities have issued a red alert, urging residents to exercise extreme caution as this storm approaches in the Indian Ocean. It is anticipated that Dikeledi will bring heavy rainfall and wind gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour, with potential for flooding and landslides. Meteo-France warns that this storm may intensify and could be reclassified as a cyclone.
The cyclone Chido, which struck in December, was particularly devastating, resulting in at least 39 fatalities and injuring over 5,600 individuals. With the territory still recovering from this disaster, officials have mobilized over 4,000 personnel, including military and police, to assist with storm preparations. Mayor Francois-Xavier Bieuville has ordered local accommodations, such as gyms and schools, to reopen as shelters for residents.
In anticipation of Dikeledi, residents have been urged to stock up on essential supplies and seek shelter. Communication efforts have been heightened, with messages broadcast in French and local dialects. The government is focused on ensuring public safety, especially in vulnerable areas affected by Chido. Many residents remain anxious given the previous cyclone’s impact, indicating a community still grappling with the aftereffects of the recent destruction.
Mayotte, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, is a French territory that has historically been vulnerable to extreme weather events, including tropical cyclones. In December 2022, Cyclone Chido created calamity, marking one of the most significant storms in the region for nearly a century. With the local population still facing recovery challenges, the approach of another storm, Dikeledi, raises concerns regarding the region’s preparedness and resilience, particularly for those in precarious living situations such as informal settlements.
As Mayotte braces for another storm less than a month after the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido, authorities are taking proactive measures to protect residents. The declaration of a red alert signifies the seriousness of the situation, with anticipations that Dikeledi may escalate in severity. The combination of heavy rainfall and high winds puts the community at risk of further flooding and landslides, emphasizing the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness in light of past devastation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
