Tropical Storm Dikeledi Strikes Mozambique and Madagascar, Causing Destruction
Tropical Storm Dikeledi has struck Madagascar and northern Mozambique, resulting in at least three deaths and prompting flood warnings due to expected heavy rains and strong winds. The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology forecasts up to 200 millimeters of rain and wind gusts of 180 kilometers per hour. President Filipe Nyusi urged residents to seek shelter and prepare food and water supplies.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi made landfall in northern Mozambique on Monday, following its destructive path across Madagascar, where it resulted in the loss of at least three lives. The storm intensified as it approached Mozambique’s Nampula region, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rainfall, as reported by Meteo-France. Previous storms, including Cyclone Chido, have devastated northern Mozambique, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to such extreme weather events.
The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued urgent flood warnings, with projections indicating rainfall accumulations of up to 200 millimeters (approximately eight inches) within a 24-hour period and wind gusts potentially reaching 180 kilometers (110 miles) per hour. President Filipe Nyusi has advised citizens in the storm’s path to seek safety, emphasizing the importance of preparing essential supplies. During a parliamentary session in Maputo, he stated, “Go immediately to a safe shelter and stay there until the authorities give you further instructions.”
In Madagascar, the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management reported fatalities resulting from Dikeledi’s impact, as the cyclone struck the northern region over the weekend, accompanied by severe winds and heavy precipitation. Predictions by Meteo-France suggest that Madagascar may face additional threats from the storm as it progresses southward later in the week. The typical cyclone season in the Indian Ocean spans from November to March, and current surface water temperatures in the area are around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), contributing to the heightened intensity of storms—a trend attributed to global warming effects observed in other oceanic regions.
The Indian Ocean region, particularly around Madagascar and Mozambique, is prone to severe tropical cyclones from November through March. The recent surge in cyclone intensity is linked to rising ocean temperatures, a phenomenon directly associated with climate change. Historically, tropical storms and cyclones inflict significant damage in these areas, leading to loss of life, injury, and economic harm, necessitating proactive meteorological monitoring and disaster preparedness by local governments and international agencies.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has tragically impacted both Madagascar and Mozambique, with fatalities and the potential for severe flooding in the latter region. Authorities continue to issue warnings and prepare for the storm’s effects, emphasizing the need for community vigilance and safety measures. The ongoing patterns of increasing storm intensity pose significant challenges for regional preparedness and risk management amidst the broader context of climate change.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
