Mayotte Faces New Cyclone Threat After Recent Devastation

Mayotte has been placed on red alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, following recent devastation from Cyclone Chido. Over 39 fatalities were reported due to Chido, and while Dikeledi is expected to weaken, authorities are preparing for heavy rain and potential mudslides.

The French territory of Mayotte is currently on red alert due to the impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi, which made landfall in northern Madagascar on Saturday. The cyclone is expected to reach Mayotte early Sunday morning, prompting authorities to implement emergency measures for the safety of the population. Despite forecasts indicating that Dikeledi will weaken to a strong tropical storm before reaching Mayotte, significant wind gusts of up to 110 kph (68 mph) and heavy rains are anticipated, raising concerns about mudslides in the densely populated regions.

In the wake of Cyclone Chido, which devastated Mayotte last month with severe destruction and a significant loss of lives, the island has not yet recovered. Cyclone Chido claimed at least 39 lives and injured over 2,000 individuals, with officials warning that the death toll could rise further. Chido was the most severe cyclone to impact Mayotte in nearly a century, flattening entire neighborhoods and affecting a population that includes approximately 100,000 migrants living in precarious conditions. The Prefecture of Mayotte has assured that all necessary resources are being mobilized to protect residents from the impending storm while monitoring the situation closely.

Cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean extends from November to April, during which the region is susceptible to powerful storms. Recent years have seen an increase in the intensity of cyclones affecting the area, including the catastrophic Cyclone Idai in 2019 that resulted in over 1,500 fatalities across Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Mayotte, a French territory located off the east coast of Africa, generates significant concern due to its vulnerable geographical location and demographic composition, including densely populated and impoverished areas. The impact of Cyclone Chido has left lasting ramifications, leading to devastation and a pressing humanitarian need as the territory braces for another cyclone.

In conclusion, Mayotte faces a critical moment as it prepares for Cyclone Dikeledi, following a recent catastrophic storm in which lives were lost and many were injured. With the threat of another severe weather event looming, authorities are enacting protective measures to safeguard the population. The situation underscores the vulnerability of the region during cyclone season and highlights the ongoing recovery challenges subsequent to the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido.

Original Source: apnews.com