Key Takeaways:

• Mayotte has been placed on red alert as it prepares for the arrival of Tropical Storm Dikeledi.
• The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rains and wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h, posing risks of flooding and landslides.
• Residents are urged to stay indoors and prepare for potential impacts, just weeks after Cyclone Chido devastated the region.
• Authorities emphasize the need for extreme vigilance as recovery efforts continue from the previous cyclone's destruction.

The French territory of Mayotte is once again under stress as authorities have issued a red alert due to the imminent threat of Tropical Storm Dikeledi, which is anticipated to strike the islands following the catastrophic impacts of Cyclone Chido less than a month ago. The Prefecture of Mayotte confirmed that Dikeledi, which had earlier made landfall in Madagascar as a cyclone, is now projected to bring severe weather conditions as it nears the archipelago.

On Saturday evening, the storm was reported to be approximately 100 kilometers south of Mayotte, with predictions of heavy winds and rainfall that could lead to flash floods and landslides across the densely populated territory known for its precarious living conditions. The French meteorological service, Meteo-France, warned that although Dikeledi had weakened, it might regain strength and could potentially be reclassified as a cyclone by Monday morning.

Authorities, still grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, declared, “Nothing is being left to chance,” urging residents to prepare by storing essential supplies such as food and water. Following Cyclone Chido, which devastated the region, killed at least 39 people, and injured more than 5,600, the risks of further tragedies during the approaching storm are significant.

Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the top official appointed by the Paris government, expressed concerns about the potential for extreme flooding and landslides, especially in the fragile shantytowns that were already heavily affected by Chido's destruction. More than 4,000 emergency personnel have been mobilized to aid in the preparation and response to Dikeledi, focusing on shantytowns in Mamoudzou and other locales. During the alert, travel has been restricted to essential personnel only, and all non-essential activities have been curtailed until the storm passes.

Beyond the immediate threats posed by Dikeledi, the French Interior Ministry remains focused on the recovery efforts after Cyclone Chido. While recovery is ongoing, many residents like Ismahane voice their concerns: “We’re still not fully recovered, and I don’t know if we’re going to make it or not,” she stated, expressing the fears shared by many as they brace for yet another storm.

In light of the seasonal cyclone risks from November to April in the southwestern Indian Ocean, the plight of Mayotte and its residents remains precarious. As Dikeledi approaches, the population of approximately 320,000, along with an estimated 100,000 undocumented migrants living in fragile conditions, are left to face the harsh realities brought on by climate and natural disasters in a region that has historically endured a series of devastating storms.

For further coverage on this developing story, visit SCMP and more details on AP News.