Tropical storm Dikeledi has moved away from Mayotte after causing flooding and three fatalities in Madagascar. Initially a cyclone, it weakened to a severe tropical storm but is expected to reintensify. Mayotte was under red alert and mobilized emergency services due to concerns about further damage following recent cyclone devastation.
A tropical storm, named Dikeledi, has recently departed from the French territory of Mayotte following an intense period of heavy rainfall and flooding that tragically resulted in three fatalities in Madagascar. Initially making landfall as a cyclone on Saturday evening, Dikeledi weakened into a severe tropical storm, currently reported to be approximately 160 kilometers south of Mayotte. The storm is set to intensify once more as it alters its trajectory towards the southeast in the coming days.
Notably, Mayotte was placed under a red alert on Saturday night as the storm approached, prompting concerns among residents, particularly in light of a recent cyclone that wreaked havoc on the region in December, claiming at least 39 lives and leaving significant destruction in its wake. As Dikeledi progressed, the most intense impacts were observed in Madagascar’s Antsiranana province, with reports indicating that over 900 individuals were adversely affected.
In Mayotte, the local authorities mobilized over 4,000 personnel, including police and military members, to manage the situation as heavy winds and rain were expected to continue. Accommodation centers have been established to assist approximately 14,500 people, and residents expressed anxiety over the potential repercussions of the storm, given the severe damage encountered just last month. While a ban on public movement is currently enforced, some individuals were seen disregarding the restrictions, taking the opportunity to clean their vehicles in the rain.
The Indian Ocean region, particularly the French territory of Mayotte and Madagascar, is susceptible to severe weather phenomena such as tropical storms and cyclones. These events have profound impacts on the local populations, exacerbated by previous disasters and ongoing socioeconomic challenges. The cyclone in December, which was the most devastating to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, underscores the vulnerability of this area to natural disasters, prompting heightened alertness and preparedness for subsequent storms like Dikeledi. The history of these climatic events sets a concerning backdrop for the current meteorological challenges facing both Mayotte and Madagascar.
In conclusion, the recent tropical storm Dikeledi has raised significant alarm across Mayotte and Madagascar, demonstrating the persistent threat posed by severe weather in the region. With three confirmed fatalities in Madagascar and the repercussions still being felt following December’s cyclone, ongoing vigilance and emergency responses are crucial. The forecast suggests Dikeledi may intensify further, underlining the need for preparedness as it continues its southeastward journey.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
