In brief
In a devastating repeat of circumstances, Mayotte, the French Indian Ocean territory, is facing severe weather challenges stemming from a recent storm, which has caused significant flooding and mudslides, a mere month after the devastation brought on by Cyclone Chido. This new storm, named Dikeledi, struck with heavy rains, prompting urgent warnings from authorities about violent winds and potential landslides.
The island has been placed on maximum alert status as Dikeledi approached, bringing concerns of flash floods and structural damage. Following reports of downed power lines and inundated streets, local news highlighted that the southern village of Mbouini, previously untouched by Cyclone Chido, is now submerged. Although the storm made landfall in northern Madagascar, it closely skimmed by Mayotte, which is located about 100 km (62 miles) to the south.As heavy rains began to pour, François-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, informed French media that the anticipation of flooding was becoming a reality, alongside concerning mudslides. He indicated that the region might remain under red alert until Monday evening, as weather forecasts predict ongoing rain even after the storm transitions away from the area. Emergency shelters have been established to accommodate at least 14,500 residents seeking refuge from the storms.Weather experts noted that as Dikeledi continues its path, it is expected to gain tropical cyclone status while advancing towards Mozambique's coast. Although the storm is not forecast to make landfall in Mozambique, the Nampula region may still experience harsh weather conditions. Following Cyclone Chido, which killed over 120 people in Mozambique, recovery efforts are still underway.While Cyclone Chido was catastrophic for Mayotte, initially leading to distressing estimates of hundreds of fatalities, the official death count has ultimately settled at 39. The recent weather calamities highlight the ongoing vulnerabilities within Mayotte, one of Europe's poorest territories, where many residents reside in shanty towns, amidst the estimated 320,000 locals and potentially up to 200,000 undocumented migrants.
