Mayotte under Cyclonic Threat: Red Alert Triggered as Dikeledi Approaches

Less than a month after the deadly passage of Cyclone Chido, Mayotte is bracing for the arrival of Dikeledi, another dangerous weather phenomenon. Starting at 10 p.m. local time this Saturday, the archipelago will move to red cyclonic alert, announced Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville. This decision aims to give residents time to seek shelter and prepare before the cyclone’s arrival.

Forecasts and Safety Measures

Météo-France predicts “significant rain and wind degradation” beginning Sunday morning, with gusts of up to 110 km/h locally, particularly in the southern part of the island. Heavy rains may cause flash floods, flooding, and landslides. The cyclone is expected to pass approximately 75 to 110 km off the southern coast of the archipelago.

Authorities have implemented several measures to protect the population. Shelters, which hosted up to 15,000 people during Cyclone Chido, are reopening their doors. Additionally, barge transportation has been suspended.

A National Emergency Situation

A meeting of the interministerial crisis unit was held in Paris under the authority of the Prime Minister. This session facilitated the coordination of reinforcements and prepared responses to the storm’s aftermath, as the archipelago remains highly vulnerable due to the damage caused by Chido.

Manuel Valls, Minister for Overseas Territories, emphasized “the duty of vigilance and prevention” in light of the fragile state of Mayotte, marked by precarious infrastructure and unstable terrain. “This very wet tropical storm is arriving in an already strained context, and everything must be done to protect the population,” he stated.

Mayotte holds its breath as the memory of Chido’s devastating passage lingers. Residents are urged to strictly follow the authorities’ instructions to navigate this weather event as safely as possible.