In recent days, the French territory of Mayotte has faced severe weather challenges, with a tropical storm named Dikeledi striking the region shortly after the devastating impact of a cyclone just weeks prior. This storm prompted officials to urge residents to stay indoors or seek safe shelters. The situation is dire, as Mayotte, the poorest part of France, braces for torrential rains and strong winds that could lead to significant flooding and other hazards.
The island, located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, is still reeling from the effects of Cyclone Chido, which caused extensive destruction last month. Chido was reported as the worst cyclone to hit Mayotte in nearly a century, resulting in at least 39 fatalities and leaving over 200 people unaccounted for, along with thousands of injuries.
Dikeledi originally formed as a cyclone over Madagascar but weakened to a tropical storm as it approached Mayotte. While the storm center is expected to pass south of the islands, local authorities are taking no chances, maintaining a red alert for potential flooding and landslides. The prefecture has warned residents to remain indoors until the danger subsides.
In response to the ongoing crisis, shelters in schools and community centers have reopened to assist those in need. Meanwhile, the international airport, which suffered significant damage from Cyclone Chido, has been temporarily closed again.
Local frustrations regarding government responsiveness have been evident. Residents voiced their concerns towards French President Emmanuel Macron during his recent visit, arguing that the government has neglected Mayotte, an area already grappling with poverty and infrastructure challenges.
The French Ministry of the Interior mobilized over 4,000 emergency and security personnel to prepare for Dikeledi. The focus remains on vulnerable areas, particularly around Mamoudzou, where destruction from the previous cyclone was severe.
Reports from local media highlighted the plight of residents in the southern village of Mbouini, which was largely destroyed by Dikeledi, forcing people to evacuate using wooden canoes amidst rising floodwaters. With an estimated population of 320,000, Mayotte also has a significant number of undocumented migrants, drawn by the welfare system in France.
Officials described Chido as extraordinarily deadly, with the final toll potentially reaching several hundred fatalities, particularly given the challenges in accounting for victims, many of whom were undocumented migrants.
As Dikeledi continues its path, there are concerns for further impacts in the region. Historical patterns show that the period from November to April is typically cyclone season in this part of the world, with the potential for more severe weather ahead. Mayotte’s experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters and the need for a robust response from both local and national governments.