Mayotte was struck by Tropical Storm Dikeledi just weeks after Cyclone Chido devastated the territory, resulting in 39 deaths and over 200 missing. Authorities issued a red alert, urging residents to seek shelter and prepare for severe weather. Emergency services were mobilized due to flooding risks, especially in previously untouched areas. The ongoing challenges showcase the infrastructure’s vulnerabilities and the increasing need for effective recovery support in one of the poorest regions of the EU.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido just weeks earlier, the French territory of Mayotte is once again facing severe weather as Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck on Sunday. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors or seek sturdy shelter, as the storm has produced heavy rainfall and strong winds, further complicating the ongoing recovery efforts. Mayotte, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is reeling from the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which resulted in 39 fatalities and left more than 200 individuals unaccounted for as it ravaged neighborhoods and villages in mid-December.
Dikeledi, which initially made landfall near Madagascar as a cyclone before weakening, was anticipated to pose a risk of flooding and landslides throughout Mayotte. The Mayotte Prefecture issued a red alert, cautioning residents about the potential for severe storms and forbidding outdoor activities until the situation improves. Emergency shelters, including schools and community centers, have been reinstated to accommodate those in need.
In the wake of the earlier cyclone, officials mobilized over 4,000 emergency personnel in preparation for Dikeledi’s impact. The storm has already led to severe flooding in regions previously unscathed by Cyclone Chido, such as the village of Mbouini, where residents were forced to flee their homes using wooden canoes. Mayotte, home to approximately 320,000 residents and an estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants, is considered the poorest region in the European Union, which has raised concerns about governmental support and recovery efforts.
Recently impacted by a catastrophic cyclone, Mayotte is once again facing a tropical storm, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather. Cyclone Chido, which struck in mid-December, has left an indelible mark on the territory, with substantial destruction, loss of life, and widespread displacement. The recurrent natural disasters underscore the challenges for Mayotte—a densely populated French territory that struggles with socioeconomic issues exacerbated by its limited infrastructure and resources. Previous storms in the region, including notable cyclones, have prompted local frustration over perceived neglect from the French government, raising questions about adequate emergency preparedness and systemic support for an area that regularly experiences seasonal cyclone threats.
As Tropical Storm Dikeledi intensifies the already dire circumstances in Mayotte, the local population grapples with the compounded effects of two severe weather events in quick succession. The urgency of the situation is further amplified by calls for emergency preparedness and effective recovery measures from the French government. The resilience of the people of Mayotte is on full display, yet their plight underscores the need for more robust support and proactive strategies to address the region’s chronic vulnerabilities. Consequently, the dangers presented by Dikeledi serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those living in this cyclone-prone territory.
Original Source: www.durangoherald.com
