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Devastating Tropical Storm Strikes Mayotte Amid Recovery from Cyclone Damage
Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, was hit by a new tropical storm on Sunday, just weeks after the destructive Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc on the islands, causing extensive damage and a large-scale recovery operation.
Authorities urged residents to stay indoors or seek shelter, stock up on food and water, as Tropical Storm Dikeledi brought heavy rains and strong winds to the region. Mayotte had only begun rebuilding after the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, which struck on December 14, leaving at least 39 people dead, over 200 missing, and more than 5,000 injured.
Dikeledi, which had passed over Madagascar as a cyclone the day before, weakened to a tropical storm before reaching Mayotte. The storm's center passed about 100 kilometers south of the island, but it still posed a significant threat. The French meteorological service warned that the storm could regain strength, and authorities issued a red alert for the region, citing a high risk of flooding and landslides. The alert kept residents indoors until it was lifted.
In response, shelters were reopened, and emergency services were mobilized across the island, including over 4,000 personnel focused on the most vulnerable areas, particularly the capital and nearby shantytowns. Despite the destruction left by Chido, which had already devastated large parts of the island, Mayotte residents continued to feel frustration with the French government, as some viewed their needs as neglected.
The international airport, which had been damaged by Cyclone Chido, remained closed, and further assessments of the damage were being conducted. The aftermath of the storm revealed that even villages that had been spared by Chido, such as Mbouini, had been flooded and severely damaged by Dikeledi.
Mayotte, home to around 320,000 people, also faces challenges from undocumented migrants, who have been heavily affected by the storms. The region has seen repeated strong cyclones in recent years, with Cyclone Idai in 2019 causing catastrophic damage across the southwestern Indian Ocean.
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