Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has made landfall in Madagascar, bringing destructive winds and heavy rains, with severe weather expected to impact Mayotte soon. An Orange Cyclonic Alert is in effect as the cyclone approaches, following significant damage from a prior cyclone that affected the region. Residents should prepare for anticipated flash floods, landslides, and dangerous sea conditions.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Madagascar’s Antsiranana province on January 11, 2024, with maximum winds recorded at 155 km/h (96 mph) accompanied by heavy rainfall and hazardous sea conditions. This cyclone is projected to intensify as it moves over the Mozambique Channel, passing within 100 km (62 miles) of Mayotte as it transitions into a tropical storm on January 13. An Orange Cyclonic Alert has been issued for Mayotte due to anticipated severe weather, including strong gusts and potential flash flooding, following significant damage from the previous cyclone, Chido.
The cyclone initially struck near the towns of Antsiranana and Vohemar, leading to a minimum central pressure of 990 hPa and sustained winds of 110 km/h (68 mph) at the time of the report. Following its landfall, Dikeledi is expected to move WSW at a speed of 17 km/h, impacting regions in Madagascar and subsequently affecting Mayotte and the Comoros with heavy rain and gusty winds. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate significantly in Mayotte over the weekend, possibly causing flash floods and landslides, alongside dangerous maritime activities.
This impending impact comes on the heels of Cyclone Chido, which devastated Mayotte in December, leading to notable loss of life and extensive damage. The regional response emphasizes readiness against another severe weather event, as Dikeledi is anticipated to strengthen further as it continues its movement across the Mozambique Channel toward Nampula province in Mozambique, which may also witness adverse weather conditions including strong winds and rainfall associated with the cyclone.
As the situation unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepare for extreme weather, as the impacts from Dikeledi are projected to compound on the already troubled region, which is still recovering from previous devastating cyclones.
Cyclone Dikeledi is the second significant cyclone to impact Mayotte during the current season, following Cyclone Chido, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Understanding the behavior and impact of these cyclones is vital for regional preparedness and response strategies, especially in areas previously affected by severe weather events. The Mozambique Channel is a common transit area for cyclones in the Indian Ocean, making it crucial for nearby provinces to stay alert for potential shifts in the trajectory of storms.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi poses serious threats to Madagascar and Mayotte, with expectations of high wind speeds and heavy rainfall leading to flooding and landslides. Mayotte’s previous experiences with Cyclone Chido highlight the urgency and necessity for robust disaster preparedness measures in the region. As the cyclone evolves over the Mozambique Channel, continuous monitoring and public preparedness remain paramount to mitigate the impact of this natural disaster.
Original Source: watchers.news
