Madagascar Faces New Cyclone Threat After Elvis Claims Five Lives

Madagascar is set to experience Tropical Cyclone Faida on February 4, following Cyclone Elvis, which resulted in five fatalities due to lightning. Elvis brought heavy rains and winds, affecting southern Madagascar. Climate change continues to drive increased storm activity in the region, necessitating stronger forecasting and emergency preparedness measures.

Madagascar is preparing for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Faida on February 4, amid the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis, which caused the deaths of at least five individuals. Reports indicate that the fatalities occurred in Vohibato district due to lightning incidents related to the storm, with two additional people reported injured.

Cyclone Elvis emerged in the Mozambique Channel on January 28, making landfall on the southwestern coast of Madagascar on January 29, unleashing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The maximum sustained winds reached 84 kilometers per hour (52 mph), with Toliara and Taolagnaro experiencing rainfall amounts of 196 and 178 millimeters (7.7 and 7 inches) over five days. Following its impact, Elvis dissipated over the southern Indian Ocean.

Currently, Madagascar faces the looming impact of Tropical Cyclone Faida, which formed on January 23 in the southern Indian Ocean. After moving through Mauritius and Réunion Island, it is expected to hit northern Madagascar on February 4 with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and is projected to strengthen as it approaches the nation.

Local authorities on Réunion Island have advised residents to remain vigilant, urging preparations for potential weather emergencies. Just weeks prior to Cyclone Elvis, Madagascar and its neighboring countries experienced extensive damage from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which caused lethal flooding and landslides, resulting in ten fatalities.

The U.K. Met Office has noted that southern Africa is likely to encounter an increase in storms due to climate change, underlining the importance of developing robust forecasting methodologies in the region. Recent meetings among meteorological experts and economists in Zambia have aimed to address these forecasting challenges, a critical step to enhance preparedness for future storms.

The impact of cyclones on Madagascar has been significant, with recent events illustrating the rising risks associated with these natural disasters. Cyclone Elvis notably brought severe weather conditions that resulted in casualties, while Cyclone Faida poses further dangers. The previous cyclones, Dikeledi and Chido, highlight a worrying trend exacerbated by climate change, prompting a need for improved forecasting and response measures in the region.

In summary, Madagascar is facing critical weather challenges as it prepares for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Faida while recovering from the devastation caused by Cyclone Elvis. The increase in storm activity is attributed to climate change, reinforcing the need for advanced forecasting systems and emergency preparedness. The resilience of communities is crucial during these severe weather events.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com