Mayotte is on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following severe devastation from Cyclone Chido. The government has mobilized emergency preparations, expecting strong winds and heavy rains. Dikeledi is anticipated to weaken slightly before landfall but poses a risk of mudslides, with recovery from previous storms still ongoing in the densely populated territory.
The French territory of Mayotte has been placed under red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches the archipelago, following the severe devastation inflicted by Cyclone Chido just a month prior. The cyclone, which made landfall in northern Madagascar, is expected to reach Mayotte early Sunday. The local government, along with emergency personnel, is prepared to safeguard the population, despite forecasts predicting that Dikeledi will weaken before arrival. However, significant winds and heavy rainfall are still anticipated, with gusts that could reach up to 110 kilometers per hour. The damage from Cyclone Chido, which resulted in approximately 39 deaths and thousands of injuries, weighs heavily on the community, particularly in shantytown areas previously hit hard by the storm. Authorities remain vigilant about potential mudslides and increased rain, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability during cyclone season.
Cyclone Dikeledi’s approach comes as a severe threat to Mayotte, a French territory struggling to recover from Cyclone Chido, which was the worst storm in 90 years for the region. Mayotte, home to over 320,000 residents and a significant number of migrants living in precarious conditions, has faced harsh challenges during the cyclone season, which runs from November to April. Previous storms like Cyclone Idai have demonstrated the devastating potential of such weather events in the southwestern Indian Ocean, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by affected populations.
In conclusion, the impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi poses further challenges for Mayotte, which is still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido. With emergency preparations underway and a high alert status declared, the focus remains on protecting the population from possible disasters, including mudslides and severe weather impacts. This situation underscores the need for sustained emergency response efforts and support for vulnerable communities in the region, particularly amid the ongoing cyclone season.
Original Source: apnews.com
