Madagascar Prepares for Cyclone Faida After Cyclone Elvis Fatalities

Madagascar is facing the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis, which caused five fatalities, while preparing for Cyclone Faida, set to strike on February 4. Elvis resulted in significant rainfall and winds, having dissipated over the weekend. Cyclone Faida is expected to make landfall with subsequent effects across various regions, amid growing concerns over future storm intensity due to climate change.

Madagascar is preparing for the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Faida on February 4 while coping with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Elvis, which recently resulted in the death of at least five individuals. Reports from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) indicate that the victims were affected by lightning incidents in the Vohibato district, in addition to two reported injuries.

Cyclone Elvis originated in the Mozambique Channel on January 28 and made landfall on Madagascar’s southwestern coast the following day. It produced significant rainfall and sustained winds of 84 kilometers per hour (52 miles per hour) throughout the southern region, with the cities of Toliara and Taolagnaro recording impressive levels of 196 and 178 millimeters (7.7 and 7 inches) over five days, respectively, as reported by The Guardian.

Elvis dissipated in the southern Indian Ocean over the weekend. Now, the nation is poised for Cyclone Faida, which formed over the southern Indian Ocean on January 23. Faida first impacted Mauritius and Réunion Island before heading north toward Madagascar, where it is expected to make landfall on February 4.

The February 3 ECHO report indicates that Cyclone Faida has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and is predicted to strengthen as it moves westward. After landfall, it is expected to have ramifications for the regions of Analamanga, Alaotra Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, and Sofia.

In Réunion Island, local authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant in light of weather warnings and to prepare emergency supplies, as reported in local media. Before the disturbances caused by Elvis, Madagascar and southern Africa had already been significantly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which resulted in flooding and landslides that claimed at least ten lives.

Previous reports highlighted the flood’s effect on a tortoise sanctuary, resulting in the drowning of numerous tortoises, although over 10,000 of them were rescued. Recently, experts convened in Zambia to enhance forecasting methodologies for southern Africa amidst increasing storm activity attributed to climate change. The U.K. Met Office emphasized that the region could expect heightened storm activity as climate change progresses, following notable devastation from previous cyclones.

Madagascar has experienced a series of severe weather events due to tropical cyclones, with Cyclone Faida currently threatening to impact the northern coast. The occurrence of Cyclone Elvis, which recently caused fatalities, is indicative of the increasing frequency and severity of cyclones in the region. With climate change continuing to exacerbate these conditions, authoritative predictions foresee an ongoing trend of heightened storm occurrences in southern Africa.

In summary, Madagascar is under the dual threat of coping with the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis while bracing for Cyclone Faida. The devastating impact of violent weather events raises concerns about increasing storm frequency and severity in the region due to climate change. Continued monitoring and preparation are essential for minimizing casualties as the nation faces these environmental challenges.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com