Mayotte tests its resilience once again as storm Dikeledi brings further peril to the already-stricken islands, raising alarms among local authorities and the community.
Devastating Storm Dikeledi Hits Mayotte Just Weeks After Cyclone Chido
Devastating Storm Dikeledi Hits Mayotte Just Weeks After Cyclone Chido
The French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte faces fresh devastation as heavy rains unleash floods and mudslides, exacerbating damage from last month’s Cyclone Chido.
The French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte is grappling with severe weather as storm Dikeledi unleashes torrential rains, resulting in flooding and mudslides just a month after the catastrophic effects of Cyclone Chido. The government has issued the highest state of alert as violent winds and flash floods threaten the island, which is still reeling from the last disaster that left significant destruction and loss of life.
Videos circulating on social media depict downed power lines and inundated roadways, with local news confirming that the previously untouched village of Mbouini is now submerged. As storm Dikeledi made landfall on Madagascar’s northern coast, it has already been linked to three fatalities, highlighting the dangers it presents in the region.
François-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, informed French news channel BFMTV about the emerging conditions characterized by heavy rainfall contributing to floods and notable mudslides across the territory. He indicated that the red alert would likely persist until Monday evening, as continued rain is anticipated even after the storm passes.
To ensure safety, emergency shelters have been established for at least 14,500 residents seeking refuge from Dikeledi's onslaught. Current forecasts suggest the storm will transition into a tropical cyclone over the next day while moving towards the Mozambique coast, where conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly despite no imminent landfall.
Mayotte remains one of France’s most impoverished regions, with locals often residing in precarious housing. Officially home to approximately 320,000 residents, the territory is believed to house an additional 100,000 to 200,000 undocumented migrants. The aftermath of Cyclone Chido on December 14 was severe—the storm, the worst in 90 years, left many areas devastated, with an estimated death toll initially reaching into the hundreds, later adjusted to a confirmed 39.
As Mayotte stands resilient against yet another natural disaster, it is a reminder of the grave challenges faced by its community, burdened by both poverty and the increasing threats of climate change.
