Madagascar faces challenges from Tropical Cyclone Elvis, which killed five individuals, as Tropical Cyclone Faida approaches for landfall on February 4. Cyclone Elvis caused significant rainfall and strong winds before dissipating. Authorities are preparing for Faida’s impact, while also dealing with the aftermath of Dikeledi, which previously inundated areas and wildlife in the region.
Madagascar is currently dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Elvis, which killed five people, while bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Faida expected to make landfall on February 4. The fatalities occurred in the Vohibato district due to lightning strikes associated with Elvis, which formed over the Mozambique Channel and struck Madagascar on January 29, causing heavy rains and wind gusts of 84 km/h (52 mph).
During its passage, Cyclone Elvis brought significant rainfall, with Toliara and Taolagnaro recording 196 mm and 178 mm respectively over five days. Although Elvis has dissipated, another storm, Cyclone Faida, is already en route, having formed in the southern Indian Ocean on January 23. The cyclone, currently with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph), is anticipated to strengthen as it moves towards northern Madagascar.
Cyclone Faida is expected to affect multiple regions including Analamanga and Atsinanana after making landfall. Authorities in Réunion Island have cautioned residents to prepare for emergencies due to the approaching storm. Prior to Elvis, southern Africa suffered from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which caused flooding and landslides in Madagascar, leading to at least 10 fatalities.
The impact of Cyclone Dikeledi was particularly severe for local wildlife, as it flooded a tortoise sanctuary, claiming numerous tortoises. However, rescue efforts succeeded in saving over 10,000 tortoises swept away. Recently, meteorological experts met in Zambia to enhance forecasting methodologies in the region amidst concerns about climate change-driven increased storm activity in southern Africa.
The U.K. Met Office has noted that climate change is expected to exacerbate storm frequency and intensity in southern Africa, following the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Chido in December.
The article discusses the effects of recent tropical cyclones in Madagascar, highlighting the devastation caused by Cyclone Elvis and the impending threat of Cyclone Faida. The context includes prior cyclone impacts in the region, studies on climate change trends affecting storm activities, and the response measures taken by local authorities. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehending the risk and management strategies associated with increasing cyclone activity in Madagascar and southern Africa.
Recent cyclones in Madagascar, particularly Elvis and Faida, underscore the urgency of disaster preparedness amid escalating climate change impacts. Elvis’s aftermath, resulting in fatalities and severe weather, is a stark reminder of the potential devastation these storms cause. The attention on forecasting improvements reflects a proactive approach to mitigate future risks associated with increased storm frequency in the region.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
