Tropical Storm Dikeledi impacted northern Mozambique after causing fatalities in Madagascar. The storm brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall, prompting flood warnings. Mozambique’s President urged citizens to seek shelter. This cyclone follows a pattern of severe seasonal storms affecting the region, intensified by climate change.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck northern Mozambique on Monday, causing significant impact after previously affecting Madagascar, where it resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals. Upon landfall in Mozambique’s coastal Nampula region, Dikeledi brought with it severe winds and heavy rainfall, as reported by Meteo-France, the French weather administration. The National Institute of Meteorology in Mozambique issued warnings of potential flooding, anticipating up to 200 millimetres of rainfall and wind gusts reaching 180 kilometres per hour.
The recent history of cyclonic disturbances in this region is alarming. In December, Cyclone Chido claimed the lives of 120 people in northern Mozambique, highlighting the area’s vulnerability to tropical storms. President Filipe Nyusi urged citizens in affected areas to take necessary preparations, emphasizing the importance of seeking shelter and ensuring access to food and water supplies. He advised, “Go immediately to a safe shelter and stay there until the authorities give you further instructions,” during an official address in the capital, Maputo.
Dikeledi initially made landfall in Madagascar, where it struck the northern regions as a cyclone, inflicting severe winds and heavy rains. According to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management in Madagascar, fatalities were reported following the storm’s impact. Reports suggest further threats to Madagascar’s southwest coast as the storm continues to move south.
Cyclones in the Indian Ocean tend to develop between November and March, with current surface water temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius significantly increasing the intensity of such storms. This phenomenon aligns with observations of heightened storm activity prompted by climate change, impacting both the Indian Ocean and other regions globally.
The Indian Ocean is prone to tropical cyclones, particularly from November to March, influenced by seasonal variations and ocean temperatures. Tropical Storm Dikeledi exemplifies the ongoing weather challenges faced by countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Recent cyclones have caused severe damages and loss of life in affected areas, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and timely warnings from meteorological authorities. The impact of climate change is also leading to warmer surface temperatures, which bolster the intensity of storms, raising concerns for future weather-related disasters.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi poses significant risks to northern Mozambique following its destructive path through Madagascar. The storm is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, prompting governmental responses for public safety. The persistent threat of cyclones in the region, exacerbated by climate changes, underscores the necessity for ongoing vigilance and preparedness against such natural disasters.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
