Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi caused significant destruction in Madagascar and Mayotte over the weekend, resulting in three fatalities and displacing over 14,500 individuals. It is expected to reintensify and continue southward, posing additional risks to Mozambique.
Over the past weekend, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi posed a significant threat to eastern Africa. Initially identified as a minor tropical disturbance between Indonesia and Australia on January 2, it developed over the following week into a depression. This system intensified into a moderate tropical storm, generating heavy rainfall and gusty winds surpassing 39 mph across central areas of the Indian Ocean, and was subsequently named Dikeledi. By the evening of January 10, Dikeledi had strengthened into a tropical cyclone, reaching wind speeds of 74 mph, equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic.
Dikeledi made landfall on Saturday in northern Madagascar, specifically between Vohemar and Antsiranana, resulting in heavy rain and strong winds that tragically claimed at least three lives. Subsequently, the cyclone weakened to a tropical storm as it moved into the Mozambique Channel. Following this, Dikeledi passed south of the French territory of Mayotte, inflicting severe rainfall that caused flooding and mudslides on the archipelago, which was still recovering from the devastations wrought by Cyclone Chido in December. At least 14,500 residents were displaced, seeking shelter in emergency facilities until the weather conditions improve.
Forecast models indicate that Dikeledi is likely to track southward down the Mozambique Channel, with expectations of reintensifying into a tropical cyclone at the beginning of the week. Predictions suggest that the system will produce heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds across parts of Mozambique. It is anticipated that Dikeledi may reach an intense tropical cyclone status, with wind speeds exceeding 100 mph, between Wednesday and Thursday as it continues its trajectory southeastward, skimming the southern coast of Madagascar.
Additionally, concerning weather patterns were noted in the Adriatic Sea, where gusty north-easterly winds reached around 45 mph in Croatia, peaking near 60 mph. This phenomenon, known as the Bora, typically occurs as a katabatic wind—in which cold air intensifies as it descends from high grounds—frequently observed during the winter months. Easing conditions are expected following Monday as the Bora wind system subsides.
The events surrounding Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi emphasize the significant impact of tropical cyclones in regions like Madagascar and Mayotte. Cyclones typically originate from tropical disturbances over warm ocean waters and can develop rapidly, sometimes resulting in devastating impacts on coastal communities. Understanding the strength and trajectory of such systems is crucial for issuing timely warnings and preparing for potential disasters. Variations in weather patterns, such as the Bora winds in the Adriatic, underline the complexity of atmospheric conditions that can influence local weather across regions.
In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi has tragically caused loss of life in Madagascar and has resulted in further distress for residents of Mayotte through flooding and mudslides. As the cyclone continues its southward path, there is a high likelihood of reintensification, posing threats to Mozambique as well. The understanding and monitoring of such weather phenomena is vital to mitigate the effects on vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
