Authorities in the French overseas territory of Mayotte have announced that a red alert will be issued late Saturday as Tropical Storm Dikeledi approaches the Indian Ocean archipelago. This decision comes in the wake of Cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte last month, causing catastrophic damage.
Overseas Minister Manuel Valls confirmed the upcoming alert during an interview with BFM TV. “The red alert will be activated this evening. The prefect will obviously make the decision in conjunction with us, but that’s what’s going to happen,” Valls stated. He emphasized the need for heightened caution, given the fragile state of the region after Chido’s devastation.
A red alert is the highest level of warning and requires residents to remain indoors in solid, secure buildings and to cut off their power supply as a safety measure.
In mid-December, Cyclone Chido, the most destructive storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, left the archipelago reeling. The cyclone claimed at least 39 lives and injured thousands, with widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and public utilities. Mayotte, which is France’s poorest department, is still struggling to recover from the disaster.
As of early Saturday morning (0500 GMT), Mayotte was already under an orange cyclone alert, urging residents to prepare emergency supplies. Tropical Storm Dikeledi, currently crossing Madagascar, is expected to pass south of Mayotte on Saturday night and Sunday. The storm will bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, raising concerns over potential flooding and further damage.
The authorities have urged residents to take the alert seriously and follow all safety protocols. With Mayotte’s recovery efforts still ongoing, this additional storm could exacerbate the challenges faced by its population.
The French government has pledged its full support to Mayotte, emphasizing the need for a swift and coordinated response. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as the situation develops.
