Mayotte affected by floods and mudslides from storm Dikeledi

Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, faced devastating impacts from Tropical Storm Dikeledi on January 12, 2025. This incident occurred less than a month after the island was ravaged by Cyclone Chido, which had resulted in numerous fatalities and left many residents homeless. Dikeledi's arrival raised urgent concerns among authorities and residents, as they scrambled to cope with the aftermath of Chido while dealing with the new threat posed by the storm. As Dikeledi moved past, heavy rain and violent winds caused flash flooding and landslides across the island. The southern village of Mbouini, which had reportedly been one of the few areas not severely impacted by Cyclone Chido, experienced significant flooding, leading to its near-total destruction. The population of Mayotte was already vulnerable, recovering from the trauma and damage inflicted by Chido just weeks before, and the timing of Dikeledi's assault triggered fears of a further humanitarian crisis. In response to the unfolding disaster, local authorities implemented a red alert, urging residents to seek shelter and avoid travel for safety. The red alert was kept in place due to the risk of ongoing heavy rainfall. Emergency shelters were established to accommodate thousands of people displaced by the storm. Videos circulated on social media depicted traditional houses submerged in floodwaters and downed power lines, amplifying calls for immediate aid. Emergency personnel were mobilized to clear debris and assist with recovery efforts. Mayotte's ongoing struggles were exacerbated by its status as one of the poorest regions in France, revealing the heightened vulnerabilities faced by its residents, particularly those living in precarious shanty conditions. The compounded impact of these two storms has raised critical discussions about government support and disaster preparedness for the island’s inhabitants, especially as they continue to navigate recovery efforts in the wake of Cyclone Chido. The local population's frustrations with inadequate assistance have been vocalized, especially following French President Emmanuel Macron's visit amid the aftermath of Chido, where anger against perceived neglect was palpable.