Tropical Storm Dikeledi Advances Toward Mozambique Following Fatalities in Madagascar
Tropical Storm Dikeledi is approaching Mozambique after causing three fatalities in Madagascar and flooding in Mayotte. It has weakened from a cyclone but poses risks of intensified weather conditions as it nears Mozambique, prompting red alerts and cautions for residents in the region still recovering from prior cyclones. Emergency measures are in place to address potential flooding and safety concerns in affected areas.
On Monday, Tropical Storm Dikeledi advanced towards Mozambique after causing the tragic loss of three lives in Madagascar and prompting significant flooding in Mayotte, a French territory. Just weeks after the devastation wrought by Cyclone Chido, Dikeledi made landfall on Madagascar’s northern tip over the weekend as a cyclone, instigating fierce winds and heavy rainfall.
By Sunday, the storm had been downgraded to a severe tropical storm, moving within 100 kilometers of Mayotte. Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville expressed concern over the region’s vulnerability, stating that the red alert issued earlier would remain effective until further notice. Despite the storm’s diminished status, copious rainfall and strong winds persisted.
Dikeledi’s impact is being felt intensely as the area is still recovering from Cyclone Chido, which resulted in at least 39 fatalities and significant injuries. Chido previously wreaked havoc in Mozambique, claiming around 120 lives and injuring over 900 individuals. As of Monday, Dikeledi was positioned approximately 150 kilometers off Mozambique’s coast and forecasts indicate that it may regain strength, transforming into an intense tropical cyclone over the warm Mozambique Channel waters.
As the situation unfolds, unusual caution has been advised for coastal communities. The meteorological authority has warned of heavy rains and hazardous sea conditions, advising that Mayotte’s residents stay vigilant. The archipelago has reportedly suffered infrastructural damage, with emergency services indicating that several homes have been destroyed by recent flooding.
Given the ongoing atmospheric challenges during the rainy season, fears of exacerbated natural calamities remain among residents. Thus, local populations have been instructed to remain indoors due to the red alert status, while over 4,000 personnel, including police and military members, are on standby to assist in recovery efforts. With Dikeledi threatening to inflict further damage, particularly in the Nampula region of Mozambique, the situation continues to develop.
The tropical region often experiences cyclones between November and March, with this year’s climatic conditions allowing for the intensification of storms due to elevated surface water temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius. The dual impacts of Cyclone Chido and the current Dikeledi storm highlight the ongoing vulnerability of Madagascar and surrounding areas, such as Mayotte and Mozambique, addressing issues of disaster management, recovery, and the long-term effects of climate change on these regions. Cyclone Chido recently left a significant toll on the populations in Mayotte and Mozambique, leading to heightened alerts and preparations for Dikeledi’s arrival, underlining the need for robust emergency response systems.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Dikeledi poses a significant threat to Mozambique while already having inflicted casualties and flood damage in Madagascar and Mayotte. As the region grapples with the consequences of previous cyclonic activity, authorities remain proactive in issuing alerts and mobilizing resources to mitigate impact and ensure public safety. The urgency of addressing climate change and its associated disasters is more pressing than ever for affected communities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
