Severe Impact of Cyclone Dikeledi on Mayotte and Madagascar

Cyclone Dikeledi has devastated Madagascar and Mayotte, causing flooding, displacing over 35,000 people, and leading to at least three fatalities in Madagascar. The cyclone struck less than a month after Cyclone Chido, which caused severe damage and loss of life. Aid organizations are mobilizing support amidst ongoing severe weather conditions.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi caused significant disruption in Madagascar and the French territory of Mayotte, killing at least three people in Madagascar due to heavy rainfall and floods. The cyclone intensified after forming in the Southern Indian Ocean and made landfall in Madagascar on January 11. This storm follows a previous cyclone, Chido, which had devastating effects in Mayotte less than a month prior.

Over 15,000 individuals were displaced in northern Madagascar, according to a report by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Mayotte experienced evacuations; around 20,000 residents were forced from their homes due to Dikeledi’s impact. Although it weakened upon reaching Mayotte, the island still faced severe winds, landslides, and floods.

Affected residents, like Massa from Mbouini, expressed their trauma from experiencing both cyclones. Mayotte, which is characterized by vulnerable housing, endured flooding from Dikeledi, and officials highlighted the ongoing risk as the rainy season progresses. Manuel Valls, France’s overseas territories minister, noted the violent impact of the storm on the region.

Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, stated that the territory remains in a fragile state, with ongoing strong winds and heavy rainfall. The ECHO report anticipates further intensification of Cyclone Dikeledi as it moves through the Mozambique Channel, forecasted to bring heavy rains and storm surges across the affected regions.

After Cyclone Chido, which was one of the strongest cyclones in 90 years, at least 36 fatalities were reported in Mayotte. The cyclone also caused over 120 deaths in Mozambique. In response, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is already organizing emergency assistance and support in Madagascar.

Cyclone Dikeledi has created severe weather conditions in Madagascar and Mayotte, displacing thousands and causing structural damage. The region is still recovering from the earlier devastating impacts of Cyclone Chido. With ongoing threats of heavy rains and potential further cyclone activity, local and international aid efforts are crucial to manage the humanitarian crisis and assist affected communities.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com