Madagascar Prepares for Cyclone Faida After Cyclone Elvis Fatalities

Madagascar faces the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis, which resulted in five fatalities, while preparing for Cyclone Faida’s imminent landfall. Elvis caused heavy rainfall and winds, impacting southern regions. Cyclone Faida, expected to strengthen, poses further risks to several districts. Local authorities on Réunion Island have warned residents to prepare for emergencies.

Madagascar is preparing for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Faida, expected to make landfall on the northern coast on February 4. This comes on the heels of the effects of Cyclone Elvis, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals due to incidents related to lightning in the Vohibato district. Additionally, two injuries have been reported during Elvis’s impact.

Cyclone Elvis originated over the Mozambique Channel on January 28, making landfall the following day on Madagascar’s southwestern coast. The storm brought significant rainfall and strong winds, with recorded speeds reaching 84 kilometers per hour (52 miles per hour). Notably, the cities of Toliara and Taolagnaro experienced rainfall of 196 and 178 millimeters (7.7 and 7 inches) respectively within five days as reported by The Guardian.

Following the dissipation of Cyclone Elvis over the southern Indian Ocean, Madagascar faced challenges from Tropical Cyclone Faida, which formed on January 23 and previously impacted Mauritius and Réunion Island. According to an ECHO report dated February 3, Faida possesses maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph) and is anticipated to strengthen as it approaches Madagascar.

The anticipated landfall of Cyclone Faida is projected to affect multiple regions, including Analamanga, Alaotra Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, and Sofia. In light of this situation, local authorities on Réunion Island have implored residents to remain alert for weather advisories and to prepare necessary emergency supplies.

Concurrently, it is noteworthy that prior to Cyclone Elvis, Madagascar and neighboring nations experienced devastation due to Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which resulted in flooding and landslides, claiming at least ten lives. Reports indicated the storm’s adverse effects on a tortoise sanctuary, with hundreds of tortoises tragically drowning. Fortunately, over 10,000 tortoises were reportedly rescued after being swept away.

Recently, meteorological experts and economists convened in Zambia to enhance forecasting methodologies for Southern Africa in light of the increasing frequency of storms tied to climate change. As noted by the U.K. Met Office, the region is projected to face more severe storms as the impacts of climate change become more pronounced.

The article discusses the recent impact of Cyclone Elvis in Madagascar, which caused fatalities and damage, followed by the imminent threat of Tropical Cyclone Faida. It highlights the severe weather experienced in the region, the death toll from previous storms, and efforts to improve forecasting amidst increasing cyclone activity attributable to climate change. This context underscores the growing vulnerability of Madagascar and its surroundings to extreme weather events, necessitating preparedness and resilient strategies.

In conclusion, Madagascar is currently grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis while preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Faida. The loss of life and damage from these storms highlight the vulnerabilities faced by the region. Furthermore, the increased storm activity underscores the essential need for improved forecasting and preparedness to mitigate future impacts related to climate change.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com