Madagascar Braces for Cyclone Faida After Deadly Impact of Elvis

Madagascar prepares for Tropical Cyclone Faida while recovering from Cyclone Elvis, which killed five people, predominantly due to lightning strikes in Vohibato. Elvis formed on January 28, causing heavy rainfall and strong winds across the region. Meanwhile, Cyclone Faida is expected to impact northern Madagascar with increasing intensity following its formation on January 23.

Madagascar is preparing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Faida, expected to reach its northern coast on February 4. This preparation occurs alongside the recovery from the recent Cyclone Elvis, which resulted in at least five fatalities as reported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The casualties resulted from lightning incidents in the Vohibato district, with an additional two individuals sustaining injuries.

Cyclone Elvis emerged on January 28 over the Mozambique Channel and made landfall the following day at Madagascar’s southwestern coast. It brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, recording maximum sustained winds of 84 kilometers per hour (52 miles per hour). The cities of Toliara and Taolagnaro experienced significant rainfall, measuring 196 and 178 millimeters, respectively, over five days, according to The Guardian.

The effects of Cyclone Faida are now being felt as it formed over the southern Indian Ocean on January 23, impacting Mauritius and Réunion Island before advancing toward northern Madagascar. As of February 3, ECHO reported that Faida has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph) and is anticipated to strengthen before making landfall.

In Réunion Island, authorities have advised residents to prepare for adverse weather and ensure emergency supplies are ready, as reported by local media. Before Cyclone Elvis, Madagascar had also experienced severe weather from Cyclone Dikeledi, which caused flooding and landslides in the northeast, resulting in at least ten deaths.

Prior reports indicated that Cyclone Dikeledi had devastating consequences for local wildlife, specifically affecting tortoise populations in a sanctuary, leading to numerous fatalities. Fortunately, more than 10,000 tortoises were rescued following the flooding. Recently, meteorologists and scientists convened in Zambia to enhance weather forecasting methods for southern Africa amid increasing cyclone threats attributed to climate change, per a statement from the U.K. Met Office.

This article outlines the devastating impact of recent tropical cyclones on Madagascar, particularly Cyclone Elvis, which caused five fatalities and significant damage before Tropical Cyclone Faida intensified and prepared to strike. It highlights the need for effective disaster preparedness in the region, especially given the increasing frequency and intensity of storms associated with climate change, as seen in previous cyclones like Dikeledi and Chido. The challenges faced by local wildlife, particularly in protected areas, further underline the ecological implications of these severe weather events.

In conclusion, Madagascar faces dire weather-related challenges as it transitions from the effects of Cyclone Elvis to the impending Cyclone Faida. The significant loss of life and property from these storms emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and response strategies to mitigate future impacts. The changing climate exacerbates the situation, suggesting that regions must adapt to increasing cyclone occurrences while also addressing ecological concerns resulting from such disasters.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com