Tropical Storm Dikeledi Impacts Northern Mozambique and Surrounding Areas

Tropical Storm Dikeledi struck northern Mozambique on Monday after causing three deaths in Madagascar and flooding in Mayotte. The storm, with projected intense rainfall and winds, prompted safety warnings from officials. President Nyusi urged residents to seek shelter and prepare for potential flooding as the region braces for further impacts from climate change-related weather phenomena.

Tropical Storm Dikeledi made landfall in northern Mozambique on Monday, following its earlier impact on Madagascar, where it resulted in at least three fatalities and caused significant flooding in Mayotte. As Dikeledi approached the Nampula region, it was reported to bring severe winds and heavy rainfall, prompting alerts from French meteorological agency Meteo-France. The storm’s arrival comes after the devastation of Cyclone Chido, which claimed over 120 lives in Mozambique last December, and raised concerns about potential flooding as forecasters predicted up to 200 millimeters of rain within 24 hours and wind gusts reaching 180 kilometers per hour.

President Filipe Nyusi called for affected residents to take immediate safety measures, advising them to find shelter and prepare emergency supplies. “Go immediately to a safe shelter and stay there until the authorities give you further instructions,” he asserted during a parliamentary session in the capital, Maputo. In Madagascar, where Dikeledi first made its presence known over the weekend, the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management confirmed the three deaths resulting from the storm’s destructive force.

Meteo-France also indicated that Madagascar’s southwest coast might face further impacts from the storm as it continues its trajectory southward. The season for cyclones typically spans from November to March in the Indian Ocean, and this year has seen elevated surface water temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius, contributing to the storms’ intensity, a correlation with global warming trends observed in other ocean regions.

The onset of tropical storms in the Southern Indian Ocean, such as Dikeledi, reflects seasonal meteorological patterns that occur from November to March. The increasing intensity of these storms has been associated with rising sea surface temperatures, exacerbated by climate change. Historical data indicates a worrying trend, with a previous cyclone, Chido, resulting in significant casualties in Mozambique. As Dikeledi approaches the coastal regions, concerns grow regarding the potential impact on communities still recovering from past cyclones.

In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi poses a severe threat to northern Mozambique following its effects in Madagascar and Mayotte. With warnings issued about extreme weather conditions, government officials are urging residents to prioritize safety. The storm highlights the ongoing risks associated with climate change, as warmer sea temperatures continue to enhance the severity of cyclones in the region. Authorities remain vigilant as the situation develops and monitor the storm’s path closely.

Original Source: www.barrons.com