A tropical storm that brought destruction and loss of life to Madagascar moved away from the French territory of Mayotte on Sunday, January 12, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
Torrential rains and flash floods caused by Dikeledi claimed three lives in Madagascar’s northern Antsiranana province, with hundreds of residents displaced.
The storm made landfall on Madagascar’s northern coast as a cyclone on Saturday evening before weakening into a severe tropical storm.
By Sunday afternoon, Dikeledi was positioned 160 kilometers south of Mayotte, according to Météo-France, France’s national weather service. The closest point of the storm’s trajectory brought it within 100 kilometers south of Mayotte early Sunday morning.
Mayotte on High Alert
Despite the storm moving away, Mayotte remained on high alert, with officials placing the island on a red alert status until Monday evening. Floriane Ben Hassen, director of Météo-France in Mayotte, emphasized the continued risk, stating, “At the moment, Dikeledi is still a threat to our territory.”
The French territory experienced intensified rainfall and strong winds on Sunday morning. The island’s population braced for potential disruptions, recalling the devastation from a cyclone just one month ago, which marked the worst storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years.
That December cyclone resulted in at least 39 fatalities and over 5,600 injuries, leaving extensive damage in its wake.
Madagascar Bears the Brunt
Madagascar, already vulnerable due to its geographic location, bore the brunt of Dikeledi’s wrath. The storm inflicted significant damage in the Antsiranana province, where the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) confirmed three fatalities.
More than 900 individuals were affected by the torrential rains and flooding, with emergency response efforts underway to assist the displaced.
Météo-France reported that gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour battered Madagascar’s northern tip, accompanied by heavy rains. The impact has exacerbated the region’s existing challenges, as residents struggle to recover from the devastation.
Recurring Storms Amplify Vulnerability
The frequency and severity of tropical storms in the Indian Ocean have heightened concerns among climate experts and local authorities. Dikeledi’s arrival came less than a month after the mid-December cyclone, which had already pushed Mayotte’s infrastructure and emergency response systems to their limits.
The storm serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures in regions prone to cyclonic activity. French authorities in Mayotte have urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols until the red alert is lifted.
Looking Ahead
As Dikeledi moves further away, Météo-France will continue to monitor the situation closely. The storm’s departure offers a temporary reprieve for Mayotte, but the damage left behind in Madagascar underscores the vulnerability of island nations in the face of extreme weather events.
Relief and recovery efforts are expected to intensify in both Madagascar and Mayotte as the immediate threat diminishes. For affected communities, the journey to rebuild lives and infrastructure after this latest storm will be a long and arduous process.
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