By : Lloyd Mahachi 

The French territory of Mayotte is on high alert as Cyclone Dikeledi approaches the islands. A red alert warning was issued at 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, with emergency personnel and law enforcement preparing to protect the population. The warning was issued in preparation for the arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi, which made landfall in northern Madagascar earlier on Saturday and is moving west toward Mayotte.

Cyclone Dikeledi is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the islands, with wind gusts reaching up to 110 kph (68 mph). The French meteorological department, Meteo, has warned that the cyclone will still pack a punch, despite weakening to a strong tropical storm as it nears Mayotte. The cyclone is expected to pass approximately 75 kilometers (46 miles) to the south of Mayotte, but its impact is still expected to be felt.

Mayotte is still reeling from the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, which caused extensive damage to France’s poorest department last month. At least 39 people were killed and over 2,000 injured by Cyclone Chido, with French Prime Minister François Bayrou warning that the final death toll could be several hundred. The impending arrival of Cyclone Dikeledi has raised concerns about the islands’ ability to cope with another disaster.

The people of Mayotte are bracing themselves for the worst, with many still trying to recover from the previous cyclone. The islands’ infrastructure was severely damaged, leaving many without access to basic necessities like electricity and clean water. The French government has promised to provide support and aid to the islands, but many are worried that it may not be enough.

The French Interior Ministry has assured that everything is being put in place to protect the population, with emergency personnel and law enforcement on high alert. However, many are concerned that the islands’ emergency services may be stretched to the limit, given the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido.

As Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, the people of Mayotte are holding their breath, hoping that the damage will be minimal. However, given the cyclone’s expected strength and the islands’ vulnerability, many are preparing for the worst. The international community is also watching with bated breath, hoping that the islands will be spared another devastating disaster.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi