Tropical storm Dikeledi is en route to Mozambique after causing three deaths in Madagascar and flooding in Mayotte. The storm transitioned from a cyclone and has since weakened; however, Mayotte remains under a red alert due to continued risks. Dikeledi is expected to intensify further over the Mozambique Channel, prompting warnings for severe weather conditions in its path.
Tropical storm Dikeledi progressed toward Mozambique on Monday, aftermath its violent passage that resulted in three fatalities in Madagascar and substantial flooding in Mayotte. The storm initially landed as a cyclone in Madagascar over the weekend, producing severe winds and torrential rain, which left the regions reeling just after Cyclone Chido’s devastation. Dikeledi weakened into a severe tropical storm by its closest point to Mayotte, approximately 100 kilometers away; however, officials maintained a red alert due to ongoing hazardous conditions.
The territorial prefect, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, emphasized the fragility of the area, asserting that the red alert would persist until the weather conditions improved. Although no casualties were reported in Mayotte from Dikeledi’s passing, residents continue to face the psychological trauma from Cyclone Chido, which had resulted in significant fatalities and injuries just weeks earlier.
As of Monday morning, Dikeledi was noted to be 150 kilometers off Mozambique’s coast and was expected to gain strength in the warm Mozambique Channel waters, prompting warnings from Meteo-France regarding potential destructive conditions should the storm intensify further. Meanwhile, Mayotte continues to grapple with the residual impact of the recent storm, prompting emergency personnel to mobilize in response to flood damages.
Local testimonies reveal the ongoing sense of despair among the inhabitants, including one resident from Mbouini who expressed feeling “traumatized by everything that happened here”. While residents in some areas began to venture outside despite the red alert, emergency services have reiterated the necessity of caution and restraint as they continue to recover from the recent climatic challenges.
As Dikeledi approaches Mozambique, officials caution that the Nampula region could experience severe weather with potential destructive consequences, reinforcing the need for heightened awareness and preparedness among the regions afflicted by cyclone activity.
Given the prevailing climatic conditions, with ocean temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius, cyclone activity is expected to remain vigorous during this season, further complicating the recovery efforts of impacted communities in Mayotte and surrounding regions.
The Indian Ocean cyclone season typically occurs from November through March, producing severe storms that can drastically affect the coastal regions of southern Africa. Cyclone Dikeledi emerged as a significant concern as it impacted Madagascar and Mayotte before advancing towards Mozambique, where further distressing conditions are expected. The preceding Cyclone Chido had already inflicted significant damage in Mayotte, marking ongoing challenges for recovery efforts in these vulnerable territories. Meteorological conditions, exacerbated by climate change, in the region contribute to increasingly intense storms, posing ongoing threats throughout the cyclone season.
In summary, the progression of tropical storm Dikeledi towards Mozambique highlights the ongoing vulnerability of cyclone-affected regions such as Mayotte and Madagascar. With the chances of intensification and detrimental conditions looming, authorities urge caution and preparedness for potential disasters. As communities attempt to recuperate from the recent devastation of Cyclone Chido, the threat posed by Dikeledi underscores the need for improved resilience and crisis response strategies among these at-risk areas.
Original Source: www.bryantimes.com
