Mayotte Braces for Tropical Storm Dikeledi After Cyclone Chido's Devastation

Less than a month after Cyclone Chido caused widespread destruction, Mayotte is under red alert as a new storm approaches with heavy rains and strong winds expected.

Mayotte, the poorest French department, is under a red alert as Tropical Storm Dikeledi is set to pass within 100 km of its southern coast, bringing heavy rainfall and winds up to 130 km/h.
The storm follows Cyclone Chido, which killed 39 people, injured over 5,600, and destroyed thousands of homes in December 2024, leaving the island's infrastructure severely weakened.
Authorities have reopened 79 emergency shelters and advised residents to stock up on essentials and stay in solid structures, with all movement banned during the alert period.
Meteorologists warn of significant risks, including flash floods, landslides, and coastal submersions, due to already saturated and unstable soils from Chido's aftermath.
Over 700 emergency personnel have been deployed, with extensive communication efforts in French and local languages to ensure residents are prepared for the storm's impact.