Tropical storm Dikeledi has emerged from Madagascar, claiming three lives and causing flooding in Mayotte. It is currently moving towards Mozambique, with predictions of ramped-up intensity. Mayotte remains under a red alert due to strong winds and heavy rain, following recent cyclone Caused devastation.
Tropical storm Dikeledi is advancing toward Mozambique after causing significant devastation in Madagascar and flooding in Mayotte. As it transitioned from a cyclone on Saturday, the storm resulted in three fatalities in Madagascar, according to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management. Dikeledi approached Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, but thankfully no casualties were reported there, although a red alert indicating severe weather conditions has been maintained by local authorities. Francois-Xavier Bieuville, the prefect of Mayotte, stated, “We still have extremely strong winds and rainfall that is just as strong.”
In light of the cyclone’s recent devastation, residents are still recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Chido, which resulted in 39 deaths and significant injuries in Mayotte. Initial data suggests that Dikeledi was positioned approximately 150 kilometers offshore from Mozambique as of Monday morning, with forecasts predicting it might intensify into a more severe cyclone once it reaches the warmer waters of the Mozambique Channel. While Mayotte remains on alert, emergency services are active, and many are mobilizing to assist affected populations.
Despite the continuance of heavy rains in Mayotte, residents are cautiously resuming their daily activities. Various emergency accommodations have been established for those displaced, showing the community’s resilience in the face of natural calamities. As Dikeledi nears Mozambique, authorities have warned of destructive winds and torrential rains, advising preparedness among the populace. The current cyclone season, which typically extends from November to March, is exacerbated by heightened sea temperatures attributed to climate change, raising concerns about the potential for increased storm intensity this season.
The recent passage of Tropical Storm Dikeledi comes shortly after the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, which impacted both Madagascar and Mayotte. The region is prone to tropical storms and cyclones, particularly between November and March. The warming of ocean waters has been linked to the increasing intensity of cyclones, exacerbated by global climate change. Local authorities are closely monitoring Dikeledi’s progress as it approaches Mozambique, with expectations of heightened storm activity and potential hazards in the affected areas.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has navigated from Madagascar toward Mozambique, having already inflicted casualties in Madagascar and bringing heavy rainfall to Mayotte. The region remains under alert as it grapples with the aftermath of Cyclone Chido and prepares for potential impacts from Dikeledi. As meteorological agencies predict intensification of the storm, it is imperative that local authorities and residents remain vigilant and prepared.
Original Source: www.bryantimes.com
