CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The French territory of Mayotte has been struck by a new tropical storm, Tropical Storm Dikeledi, just weeks after the region endured Cyclone Chido, the most devastating cyclone in almost a century. This recent storm unleashed heavy rains and strong winds, causing further destruction and chaos as the territory was already grappling with the massive recovery efforts following Chido's devastation.
Authorities in Mayotte issued a red alert, advising residents to remain indoors or seek sturdy shelters while also urging them to stockpile food and water supplies. As the storm progressed, some areas began experiencing flooding. Dikeledi weakened to a tropical storm upon reaching Mayotte, with the storm's center passing approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of the islands, according to Meteo-France.
While initial fears were somewhat alleviated due to Dikeledi's weakening, meteorologists warned that the storm could re-intensify, prompting concerns of flooding and landslides across Mayotte. Consequently, the prefecture of Mayotte emphasized the ongoing risks via their official Facebook page, outlining that although a brief calm might be experienced, the weather was expected to become violent once more later in the afternoon.
In preparation for the storm, Mayotte reopened cyclone shelters in schools and community centers. Following severe damage to the international airport from Cyclone Chido, it was once again shut down until further notice. Emergency personnel and security forces were mobilized throughout the territory, focusing particularly on the vulnerable shantytowns surrounding the capital, Mamoudzou, which suffered significant destruction during Chido.
As Dikeledi made landfall in Madagascar on Saturday, it resulted in the deaths of three individuals, according to the country’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management. Parts of northern Madagascar were also placed under a red alert as the storm passed through. Dikeledi's impact on Mayotte was particularly tragic for the village of Mbouini, which had been relatively unscathed following Chido but encountered extensive flooding as a result of the new storm. Footage broadcasted by national TV station Mayotte la 1ère illustrated residents escaping in wooden canoes amid rising floodwaters.
Approximately 320,000 residents inhabit Mayotte, along with an estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants who have settled on the islands due to their French welfare system. Prior to the impact of Chido, which was responsible for at least 39 deaths, over 200 individuals were reported missing, highlighting significant challenges in effectively accounting for fatalities and injuries. This was particularly complicated by the reality that many victims were undocumented migrants, and the local Muslim tradition of burying the deceased within 24 hours of death further complicated matters.
Overall, Cyclone Chido was deemed the worst cyclone to hit Mayotte in 90 years, with concerns that the final death toll could potentially reach several hundred. This disaster spurred public frustrations towards the French government, leading to protests aimed at French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit shortly after the cyclone's aftermath. Locals have historically accused the French government of neglecting their needs, especially under the socio-economic context of being the poorest territory in the European Union.
In summary, the recent natural disasters have exacerbated the hardships faced by Mayotte's citizens, significantly hampering recovery efforts and raising questions about the adequacy of response mechanisms in place. Dikeledi is projected to shift southward before veering east, likely returning to Madagascar and moving out to sea after its passage over Mayotte.
