Authorities are set to place the French overseas territory of Mayotte on red alert late Saturday, as a tropical storm approaches the Indian Ocean archipelago, which was severely impacted by a devastating cyclone last month, Overseas Minister Manuel Valls announced.
A red alert requires residents to remain in sturdy shelters and disconnect power supplies as a precaution.
“The red alert will be activated this evening. The prefect will obviously make the decision in conjunction with us, but that’s what’s going to happen,” Valls stated during an interview with BFM TV.
“We can’t afford not to, given the situation, given the state of Mayotte after the passage of Cyclone Chido,” he added.
Cyclone Chido, which struck in mid-December, was the most destructive cyclone to hit Mayotte in 90 years.
It inflicted widespread destruction in France’s poorest department, claiming at least 39 lives and leaving thousands injured, according to the latest figures.
As of 0500 GMT on Saturday, an orange cyclone alert—advising residents to prepare adequate supplies—was already in effect. This alert comes as Storm Dikeledi is projected to cross Madagascar before heading eastward.
Storm Dikeledi is expected to pass south of Mayotte on Saturday night and into Sunday, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to the region.