Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Strikes Madagascar and Mayotte, Affecting Thousands
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted Madagascar, claiming three lives, and subsequently caused flooding in Mayotte, with thousands seeking shelter. Forecasts indicate potential reintensification, bringing more adverse weather conditions to Mozambique.
Over the weekend, eastern Africa faced the severe impact of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which originated as a minor disturbance between Indonesia and Australia on January 2. Gradually evolving into a depression, it escalated into a moderate tropical storm characterized by heavy rainfall and significant wind gusts of over 39 mph across the central Indian Ocean. On January 10, it was officially designated as Dikeledi, before transforming into a tropical cyclone by the evening with maximum sustained winds reaching 74 mph—akin to a category 1 hurricane.
Cyclone Dikeledi struck land on Saturday in northern Madagascar, between the cities of Vohemar and Antsiranana. The cyclone unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds, resulting in the unfortunate fatalities of at least three individuals. Following this, Dikeledi was downgraded to a tropical storm as it moved into the Mozambique Channel. The cyclone subsequently passed south of the French territory of Mayotte, causing flooding and landslides exacerbated by the previous destruction left by Cyclone Chido in December. Emergency shelters were established for at least 14,500 displaced residents due to the storm’s aftermath.
Forecasts suggest that Dikeledi will continue on a southward course down the Mozambique Channel this week. There is a strong probability that it may regain strength and intensify back into tropical cyclone status, resulting in further heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds affecting Mozambique. Projections indicate that Dikeledi could intensify into an intense tropical cyclone, with wind speeds exceeding 100 mph by Wednesday and Thursday, as it skirts the southern coast of Madagascar.
In a related meteorological event, the Adriatic Sea experienced strong north-easterly winds on Sunday, with Croatian observation stations recording gusts of approximately 45 mph, peaking at 60 mph in the morning. These gusts were part of the Bora phenomenon, a type of katabatic wind that gains strength as it descends from high-ground areas, frequently observed during winter. Forecasts predict that the Bora winds will persist through Monday, gradually diminishing by Tuesday.
The phenomenon of tropical cyclones arises from specific atmospheric conditions that foster the development of low-pressure systems over warm ocean waters. Typically, such storms originate in tropical regions and can escalate in intensity as they move over favorable environments. Cyclone Dikeledi serves as a case study of how tropical disturbances can evolve and impact land, highlighting the severe weather events that often plague coastal populations, including Madagascar and Mayotte, both of which possess vulnerable infrastructures to extreme weather. The context of preceding cyclones like Chido enhances the understanding of the compounded impacts faced by these regions, where recovery from one storm can be hindered by subsequent weather events.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has caused significant devastation in Madagascar, resulting in fatalities and forcing thousands into emergency shelters due to flooding and landslides. As it continues its trajectory through the Mozambique Channel, Dikeledi is expected to strengthen, threatening further adverse weather to Mozambique. Understanding the phenomena and risks associated with tropical cyclones is essential for anticipating and mitigating the impacts of such ferocious weather systems in susceptible regions.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
