A boy carries a roofing sheet on the beach after Cyclone Shido in Passament, Mayotte, 20 December 2024. Photo: Reuters
Less than a month after the devastating Cyclone Chido caused catastrophic damage, the French archipelago of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, is once again in a state of danger. On Saturday evening, a red alert was issued for the approaching storm Dikeledi, which is forecast to be extremely rainy, according to AFP and AP.
The red alert implies strict restrictions: a ban on movement by land and sea, a ban on beaches and leaving homes, said the prefect of Mayotte, François-Xavier Beville. The archipelago’s airport has been closed since 18:00 local time.
Danger lies ahead
Storm Dikeledi is forecast by Météo-France to hit the northeast coast of Madagascar in the early evening, then pass through the Mozambique Channel on Saturday night before reaching the southern part of Mayotte on Sunday. The weather is expected to deteriorate significantly, especially due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The prefect urged residents to be as prepared as possible for the storm, which could last all day on Sunday.
The aftermath of Cyclone Chido
In December, Cyclone Chido became the most destructive cyclone in 90 years for Mayotte. It killed at least 39 people and injured more than 5,600. The disaster left behind destroyed houses, damaged infrastructure and seriously affected the local hospital, which is still only 70% operational.
Residents of the archipelago, who have not yet recovered from the previous disaster, are once again facing a challenge that requires them to join forces to protect lives and property.
