Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck northern Mozambique, following lethal impacts in Madagascar and Mayotte. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and damaging winds, with local authorities advising residents to shelter and prepare supplies.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi made landfall in northern Mozambique on Monday, having already caused fatalities and significant damage in Madagascar and Mayotte. The storm intensified upon reaching Mozambique’s Nampula province, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rainfall as reported by Meteo-France. The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued a flood alert, predicting rainfall amounts of up to 200 millimeters and wind gusts reaching 180 kilometers per hour, prompting local authorities to encourage residents to seek shelter and prepare necessary supplies.
The tropical storm season in the Indian Ocean typically spans from November to March, with recent years witnessing increasingly severe cyclones. This shift is attributed to rising surface water temperatures, which currently hover near 30 degrees Celsius, contributing to the intensity of storms due to climate change. In December, Cyclone Chido wreaked havoc in northern Mozambique, claiming 120 lives and leaving substantial destruction in its wake, illustrating the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Dikeledi poses a severe threat to northern Mozambique, exacerbated by recent storms in the region. The unprecedented intensity of this storm highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change, as authorities work to mitigate its effects and safeguard citizens. Continued vigilance and preparation are crucial as the storm progresses further south, with ongoing assessments necessary to respond effectively to the evolving situation.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
