Tropical Storm Dikeledi has left Mayotte after causing flash floods and three fatalities in Madagascar. The storm weakened after making landfall as a cyclone. Mayotte was placed on red alert amid heightened fears due to previous cyclones. Over 4,000 personnel have been mobilized in response, with numerous accommodations set up for affected residents. Dikeledi may regain cyclone strength as it continues moving; heavy rain is also expected in Comoros and Mozambique.
A tropical storm named Dikeledi has recently retreated from the French territory of Mayotte after it brought severe rainfall and flash floods that tragically resulted in three fatalities in Madagascar. The storm initially made landfall as a cyclone along Madagascar’s northern coast on Saturday evening before diminishing into a severe tropical storm later. As of 3:36 PM local time, Dikeledi was reported to be 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, having approached to within 100 kilometers early on Sunday morning. According to Meteo-France, the storm is now moving away from the affected region.
Following the storm’s passage on Saturday, Mayotte was placed on red alert, reflecting the concern stemming from the devastating effects of a previous cyclone that struck less than a month earlier, causing substantial destruction and leading to significant loss of life. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) reported that the torrential rains profoundly impacted the northern province of Antsiranana in Madagascar, leading to the deaths of three individuals and affecting over 900 others. Locals in Mayotte expressed heightened anxiety over the ongoing storms due to prior experiences with severe weather, noting that many areas, including the village of Mbouini, sustained high damage, although the site had previously escaped impacts from Cyclone Chido.
The extreme weather conditions have heightened fears among residents, many of whom were seen taking precautionary actions even under a red alert warning. Despite official bans on movement in Mayotte, some locals ventured outside to address potential damages. Approximately 4,000 personnel, including police and military members, have been deployed in response to the emergency, with 80 accommodation centers established to assist around 14,500 people affected by the storm’s impact. Predictions indicate that Dikeledi may regain cyclone status as it continues its trajectory, possibly reaching intense tropical cyclone classification early next week.
In addition to Mayotte, heavy rainfall is expected to affect the nearby Comoros islands and could approach Nampula province in Mozambique as the storm progresses.
The recent storm, Dikeledi, is part of a series of severe weather patterns affecting the Indian Ocean region, especially Madagascar and Mayotte. Mayotte is recognized as one of France’s overseas territories, and it has faced challenges from cyclones in recent years. The report of casualties in Madagascar underscores the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure and homes to such natural disasters. Previous cyclones, notably the severe one in December that resulted in casualties and extensive damage in Mayotte, have left communities wary of subsequent storms. The ability of local authorities to respond to these emergencies is crucial for the safety and well-being of the affected populations. Under extreme weather conditions, the response mechanisms, including the activation of red alerts and mobilization of emergency personnel, play a vital role in mitigating damage, supporting displaced residents, and ultimately, contributing to post-storm recovery efforts.
The movement of Storm Dikeledi away from Mayotte brings temporary relief, yet the grim aftermath in Madagascar, where three lives were lost, emphasizes the storm’s destructive impact. With Mayotte still on alert, the threat remains as residents grapple with the consequences of previous cyclones and ongoing weather conditions. The mobilization of resources, including emergency personnel and accommodation centers, illustrates the region’s resiliency efforts. The storm’s potential re-intensification must continue to be monitored closely as communities remain on high alert.
Original Source: www.france24.com
