Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, is once again on high alert as it prepares for the arrival of Tropical Storm Dikeledi. The storm comes just weeks after the region suffered the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, which has left lasting damage and prompted fear among the residents as they brace for severe weather conditions.

On Saturday night, authorities issued a red alert for Mayotte as Dikeledi approached, expecting it to bring strong winds, heavy rains, flash floods, and mudslides. Dikeledi made landfall in northern Madagascar before moving west towards Mayotte. According to the French weather service Meteo-France, the storm is forecast to skirt approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of the islands, but it could potentially regain intensity and be reclassified as a cyclone early Monday.

“Extremely heavy rains are beginning to trickle down,” stated François-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte. He noted that the islands are at risk of catastrophic flooding and landslides, echoing the destruction seen from Cyclone Chido, which left at least 39 people dead and hundreds injured less than a month ago.

Mayotte's residents are currently advised to stay indoors and prepare by stockpiling provisions, following the government’s warning that the storm could cause extensive damage similar to what was experienced during Cyclone Chido. The previous cyclone was the worst to hit the region in nearly a century, devastating neighborhoods and forcing thousands into emergency shelters.

As local emergency personnel prepare for Dikeledi's impact, more than 4,000 emergency responders have been mobilized to assist with the ongoing recovery efforts and emergency shelter setup in schools and community centers across the territory. The international airport remains closed as a safety precaution.

The aftermath of Cyclone Chido has left many communities vulnerable, with significant numbers of residents still living without proper shelter due to the extensive destruction caused by the storm. According to reports, over 14,500 individuals have sought refuge in emergency facilities set up for protection against the ongoing threats posed by Dikeledi.

“We’re still not fully recovered, and I don’t know if we’re going to make it or not,” shared a local resident, highlighting the anxiety felt among families resuming life in the wake of destruction.

With a population of approximately 320,000, including many undocumented migrants living in precarious conditions, the islands of Mayotte continue to face significant challenges as they navigate the ramifications of this cyclone season. [AP News], [VOA News], [SCMP], [BBC], [LA Times].