Tropical Storm Dikeledi Causes Destruction in Mozambique and Madagascar
Tropical Storm Dikeledi has struck northern Mozambique after killing at least three people in Madagascar. The storm has intensified, bringing severe winds and heavy rains. Mozambique’s meteorological authorities have issued flood warnings, while President Filipe Nyusi has urged residents to seek shelter. The storm’s impact follows a devastating cyclone in December that resulted in significant fatalities.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi made landfall in northern Mozambique on Monday, following its devastating impact on Madagascar, where it resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals and caused significant flooding in the French territory of Mayotte. Upon reaching Mozambique’s Nampula region, the storm intensified, with officials from Meteo-France reporting destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
The disaster follows the dire aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which claimed 120 lives in northern Mozambique last December. As a precaution, Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology has issued flood warnings predicting rainfall totals of up to 200 millimeters (approximately eight inches) within a 24-hour period, alongside wind gusts reaching 180 kilometers (110 miles) per hour.
In a statement, President Filipe Nyusi urged residents in the storm’s path to take safety measures, including securing shelter and stockpiling food and water. During an address at the capital, Maputo, he emphasized the importance of immediate action: “Go immediately to a safe shelter and stay there until the authorities give you further instructions.”
Prior to striking Mozambique, Dikeledi made landfall at the northern tip of Madagascar, where it unleashed violent winds and torrential rains. The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported at least three fatalities there. Moreover, there are warnings that the storm may again affect Madagascar’s southwestern coast as it moves southward later in the week. Cyclones typically form in the Indian Ocean between November and March, with current warm surface water temperatures enhancing storm intensity, a phenomenon attributed to global warming.
The Indian Ocean cyclone season spans from November to March, a time when tropical storms frequently emerge due to favorable climatic conditions. This year, the thermal dynamics have been particularly intense, with surface water temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), providing a conducive environment for cyclones. The history of cyclonic activity in regions like Mozambique underscores the significant impacts these storms can have on human life and infrastructure, exemplified by previous storms such as Cyclone Chido, which resulted in substantial casualties and damage in December.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Dikeledi poses a significant threat to northern Mozambique following its destructive path through Madagascar. The issued flood warnings and the urgent advisories from government officials highlight the pressing need for community preparedness. The ongoing pattern of increasingly intense storms, influenced by climate change, raises concerns for future cyclone seasons in the region. Immediate action is crucial as local authorities mobilize to safeguard affected populations.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
