Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck northern Mozambique, causing at least three deaths in Madagascar and flooding in Mayotte. It brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, prompting flood warnings. President Filipe Nyusi urged residents to seek shelter and prepare supplies. Cyclones in the Indian Ocean are intensifying due to global warming, with this season being particularly active.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi made landfall in northern Mozambique on Monday, having already caused the deaths of at least three individuals in Madagascar and initiated severe flooding in the French territory of Mayotte. The storm’s impact intensified in Mozambique’s Nampula region, delivering strong winds and heavy rainfall as reported by Meteo-France. Flood warnings were promptly issued by Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology (INAM), forecasting rainfall of up to 200 millimeters (approximately eight inches) within 24 hours and wind gusts reaching 180 kilometers (110 miles) per hour.
President Filipe Nyusi called for vigilance among residents, encouraging them to seek refuge and prepare supplies of food and water. He stated, “Go immediately to a safe shelter and stay there until the authorities give you further instructions” during his parliamentary address in Maputo. The storm had already wreaked havoc in Madagascar, where officials reported three fatalities and widespread damage after it traversed the northern tip of the island as a cyclone. Additionally, Meteo-France has indicated the possibility of further impacts on Madagascar, particularly along its southwest coast, as the storm progresses southward. This cyclone season, occurring between November and March, is intensified by elevated sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, close to 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit), a consequence attributed to global warming phenomena also recorded in other oceanic regions.
The Indian Ocean typically experiences cyclone development during the months of November through March. This year, however, exceptionally high sea surface temperatures have been recorded, enhancing the intensity of storms, including Tropical Storm Dikeledi. Climate change has been shown to exacerbate weather patterns, contributing to heightened cyclone activity and severity not only in the Indian Ocean but also in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Such storms pose significant threats to populations and infrastructure, especially in countries like Mozambique, which have dealt with catastrophic weather events in the past, including Cyclone Chido earlier this year that caused extensive damage and loss of life.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has severely impacted northern Mozambique after causing fatalities and damage in Madagascar. Authorities are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding and strong winds as the storm continues its path. As this season’s cyclonic activity is heightened by warmer sea temperatures, the need for preparedness and response measures is more critical than ever. The incidence of such storms highlights the ongoing challenges faced by coastal nations due to climate change-induced weather phenomena.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
