Tropical Storm Dikeledi has struck northern Mozambique after causing three fatalities in Madagascar. The storm has brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall, prompting flood warnings in Mozambique’s Nampula region. President Filipe Nyusi has advised residents to seek safety, underscoring the increased risks associated with cyclones due to climate change.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi made landfall in northern Mozambique on Monday, following its devastating impact on Madagascar where it resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The storm has brought with it intense winds and heavy rain, particularly affecting the Nampula region of Mozambique. The French weather service, Meteo-France, reported that Dikeledi is expected to cause severe flooding, prompting Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) to issue flood warnings, highlighting the potential for up to 200 millimeters of rain within 24 hours.
In response to the impending dangers posed by the storm, President Filipe Nyusi urged residents within the storm’s trajectory to prioritize their safety by seeking refuge and ensuring they have adequate supplies of water and food. “Go immediately to a safe shelter and stay there until the authorities give you further instructions,” he stated during a parliamentary session in Maputo. Dikeledi previously impacted Madagascar, where it struck the northern part of the island, unleashing strong winds and heavy rainfall, exacerbating local flooding conditions.
As the storm progresses, there are concerns that Madagascar may again face severe weather conditions as Dikeledi continues its southward path. Cyclones in the region commonly form between November and March, and unusually warm ocean surface temperatures, nearing 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), have been noted this year, which can intensify storm systems due to the impacts of global warming, a trend similarly observed in the North Atlantic and the Pacific.
The events surrounding Tropical Storm Dikeledi underline the increasing vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, posing significant risks to livelihoods and infrastructure in Mozambique and surrounding territories.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi is part of a seasonal trend that sees cyclones develop in the Indian Ocean between November and March. These cyclones often result in substantial devastation, as reported incidents have shown with previous storms like Cyclone Chido in December, which killed over a hundred people. The influence of climate change has been a critical factor contributing to the intensity and frequency of such storms, attributed to rising sea surface temperatures. The potential for increased rainfall and severe weather patterns is particularly concerning for vulnerable coastal regions like Mozambique and Madagascar.
The arrival of Tropical Storm Dikeledi emphasizes the escalating threat posed by climate events in southern Africa. With precautions being advised by governmental authorities and the threat of significant flooding and destruction in areas like northern Mozambique, the impact of these storms is felt acutely by both human populations and local infrastructure. Continuous monitoring and preparedness remain essential in mitigating the damage inflicted by such weather phenomena.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
