Cyclone Dikeledi Moves Away from Mayotte, Causing Casualties in Madagascar

Cyclone Dikeledi moves away from Mayotte while causing flash floods in Madagascar, leading to three deaths. The region remains on red alert, emphasizing vulnerability to natural disasters.

On Sunday, Cyclone Dikeledi was reported to be moving away from Mayotte, although the archipelago remains under red alert until Monday evening. The storm resulted in devastating flash floods in nearby Madagascar, claiming the lives of at least three individuals. Dikeledi initially struck Madagascar’s northern coast on Saturday evening, transitioning to a severe tropical storm shortly thereafter.

According to Météo-France, the Antsiranana province on Madagascar’s northern tip experienced the most severe weather conditions as Dikeledi approached. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) of Madagascar confirmed that three fatalities occurred due to the intense rainfall and subsequent flooding that affected more than 900 individuals. At its closest point, the cyclone passed approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte.

In anticipation of the storm’s impact, Mayotte was placed on red alert on Saturday night, and this status persists until Monday evening. The region has experienced heavy rain and wind conditions measured up to 80-90 kilometers per hour, particularly in the southern parts of the archipelago. As tens of thousands of undocumented residents inhabit Mayotte, local distress was palpable due to memories of the recent destruction caused by Cyclone Chido last December.

Local officials reported significant damage, especially in the village of Mbouini, which had previously endured minimal impacts from past weather events. Despite the red alert warnings, some residents took to the streets to secure their properties or even wash their vehicles. That being said, authorities had restricted movement for most residents, allowing only travel for emergency services.

In total, more than 4,000 personnel, including police and military members, were deployed throughout Mayotte to ensure public safety. Accommodation centers were established to assist nearly 14,500 affected individuals, indicating a commitment from the French government to support recovery efforts. Meteorological experts predict that Dikeledi may regain cyclone status as it continues to intensify over the following days, potentially posing further risks to areas including the Comoros and Mozambique.

Cyclone Dikeledi poses a significant threat to the Indian Ocean region, impacting both Mayotte and Madagascar. The cyclone comes on the heels of the destructive Cyclone Chido, which occurred less than a month prior and caused extensive damage in Mayotte. Dikeledi’s movement and anticipated intensification raise serious concerns about disaster preparedness and response, particularly given the vulnerable state of the local infrastructure and populations in both territories.

In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi has caused considerable disruption, particularly in Madagascar, with confirmed fatalities and widespread flooding reported. Although the cyclone is moving away from Mayotte, the area remains on high alert as local authorities mobilize resources for recovery and safety. The overall situation emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in disaster response and management in cyclone-prone regions of the Indian Ocean.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr