Tropical Storm Dikeledi has impacted northern Mozambique, following its path through Madagascar, where it caused fatalities and floods. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions, reflecting the increasing severity of cyclones due to climate change.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck northern Mozambique on Monday after causing three fatalities in Madagascar and triggering significant floods in the French territory of Mayotte. Upon reaching Mozambique’s coastal Nampula region, the storm intensified, unleashing violent winds and relentless rains, as reported by Meteo-France. In December, Northern Mozambique suffered the loss of 120 lives due to Cyclone Chido, which similarly devastated Mayotte, impacting over 5,600 individuals.
Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) issued urgent flood warnings, forecasting cumulative rainfall of up to 200 millimeters (approximately eight inches) within a 24-hour timeframe and wind gusts reaching 180 kilometers (110 miles) per hour. President Filipe Nyusi urged all citizens in the storm’s path to take necessary precautions, including securing safe shelter and stocking essential supplies. He advised, “Go immediately to a safe shelter and stay there until the authorities give you further instructions” during an opening session of parliament in the capital, Maputo.
The storm initially impacted Madagascar over the weekend as a cyclone, causing three fatalities according to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management. The storm is expected to move southward and could affect Madagascar’s southwest coast later this week. Generally, cyclones form in the Indian Ocean from November to March, and this year, temperatures of surface water are nearing 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), contributing to increased storm intensity—an effect correlated with global warming phenomena observed in various oceanic regions.
Cyclones in the Indian Ocean typically develop from November to March and have been intensifying due to rising ocean temperatures, a trend associated with climate change. In recent events, Mozambique has experienced devastating impacts from these storms, exemplified by the December fatalities resulting from Cyclone Chido. The rising intensity of these storms poses serious risks to coastal communities, requiring proactive measures from government officials and local residents.
In conclusion, Tropical Storm Dikeledi has made a significant impact in northern Mozambique, following its destructive path through Madagascar and Mayotte. With substantial wind and rainfall forecasted, the Mozambican authorities are urging residents to prioritize their safety. The ongoing trend of rising sea temperatures indicates that such storms may become increasingly severe, underscoring the need for preparedness and resilience in affected regions.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
