Madagascar is recovering from Tropical Cyclone Elvis, which caused five deaths, and is now preparing for Tropical Cyclone Faida expected to impact its northern coast. The region has faced increasing cyclone activity, with reports linking this to climate change and necessitating improved forecasting methods.
Madagascar is currently facing the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Elvis, which occurred from January 28 to January 29 and resulted in at least five fatalities due to lightning strikes in the Vohibato district. Reports indicate that the cyclone caused significant rainfall and winds, peaking at 84 km/h (52 mph), leading to severe weather conditions affecting areas such as Toliara and Taolagnaro, where rainfall reached 196 mm and 178 mm respectively over five days, according to The Guardian.
As the country recovers from Cyclone Elvis, it is preparing for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Faida, which originated over the southern Indian Ocean on January 23. Faida impacted Mauritius and Réunion Island before moving towards Madagascar’s northern coast, scheduled to make landfall on February 4. Initial reports from ECHO indicate that Faida has winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and could intensify as it progresses westward.
Prior to Cyclone Elvis, Madagascar and southern Africa were severely affected by Cyclone Dikeledi, which caused flooding and landslides, claiming at least ten lives and resulting in substantial environmental damage, including the drowning of numerous tortoises in a sanctuary. This indicates a worrying trend of increasing tropical storms in the region, which meteorological studies attribute to climate change.
In December, the region also endured the effects of Tropical Cyclone Chido, with recent efforts by meteorological experts and scientists in Zambia focused on enhancing weather forecasting capabilities in Southern Africa. Their goal is to improve resilience against future storm impacts as the region grapples with a growing frequency of severe weather events driven by climate phenomena.
The article highlights the impacts of recent tropical cyclones on Madagascar, specifically Cyclone Elvis, which resulted in fatalities and significant infrastructure damage. The focus shifts to Cyclone Faida, which poses a new threat as it targets northern Madagascar. It also briefly discusses the historical context of cyclone impacts in the region, including Cyclone Dikeledi’s devastation earlier this year, and emphasizes the increasing threat of tropical storms due to climate change effects in Southern Africa.
The recent cyclones in Madagascar underscore the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies. As Cyclone Faida approaches following the devastation caused by Cyclone Elvis, it highlights a troubling pattern of increasingly severe weather in the region, attributed to climate change. Such events prompt further action regarding forecasting and climate resiliency measures to protect vulnerable populations in Southern Africa.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
