Cyclone Dikeledi is moving away from Mayotte but has resulted in three deaths and significant flooding in Madagascar. Mayotte remains on red alert, while over 4,000 officials mobilize for disaster response efforts. Residents express concerns about the storm, especially in light of recent cyclone damage. Dikeledi may strengthen again and affects other regions including the Comoros and Mozambique.
Cyclone Dikeledi has been moving away from the French territory of Mayotte, yet the region remains under a red alert until Monday evening. The cyclone, which hit Madagascar’s northern coast as a category storm on Saturday, has resulted in flash floods on the neighboring island of Madagascar, claiming the lives of at least three individuals. Météo-France reported that the Antsiranana province experienced the most severe conditions in recent hours. Meanwhile, over 900 people in Madagascar were affected by the torrential rains.
Dikeledi passed roughly 100 kilometers south of Mayotte early Sunday morning and is now moving in a southeast direction. This storm follows another devastating cyclone, Cyclone Chido, which caused extensive damage in mid-December, resulting in 39 fatalities and over 5,600 injuries. Concerns among the population of Mayotte, estimated at 320,000 with an additional 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented residents, have been prevalent due to the recent storm damage.
In terms of weather conditions, rain and wind peaked at 80 to 90 kilometers per hour in southern Mayotte. The island’s residents faced movement restrictions, and local authorities mobilized over 4,000 officials, including police and military personnel, for disaster response efforts. Eighty accommodation centers have been established to provide shelter for approximately 14,500 displaced residents. As Cyclone Dikeledi is forecasted to regain strength and potentially be reclassified as a cyclone on Monday, heavy rainfall is also anticipated in the Comoros and Mozambique, indicating widespread impacts of this weather event.
Cyclone Dikeledi emerged as a significant threat in the Indian Ocean, primarily impacting the French territory of Mayotte and the northern coast of Madagascar. Cyclones in this region tend to gain strength rapidly, posing severe risks to both communities and infrastructure. The area has already suffered from the effects of prior storms, leading to concerns regarding preparedness and recovery efforts. Given the geographical vulnerability of Mayotte and Madagascar to cyclonic activity, the government has established various preparedness measures, including red alerts and mobilization of emergency services, to mitigate potential damage and loss of life.
In conclusion, Cyclone Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte but has left a trail of destruction in Madagascar, claiming three lives and affecting hundreds. The region remains vigilant as it grapples with the aftermath of recent cyclones while bracing for the potential intensification of Dikeledi. The local authorities and disaster response teams are actively engaged in ensuring the safety and support of the affected populations amidst ongoing weather challenges.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
