Madagascar is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Faida following the recently devastating Cyclone Elvis, which caused five fatalities due to lightning. Cyclone Faida is expected to make landfall on February 4 with increased intensity. Past events, including Cyclone Dikeledi, highlight a pattern of severe weather affecting the region, which is aggravated by climate change, necessitating improved forecasting and preparedness.
Madagascar is currently preparing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Faida, expected to make landfall on the northern coast on February 4. This comes in the wake of Cyclone Elvis, which had devastating effects, including the loss of at least five lives due to lightning incidents experienced in the Vohibato district, as reported by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Additionally, two individuals sustained injuries during this extreme weather event.
Cyclone Elvis emerged over the Mozambique Channel on January 28 and hit Madagascar’s southwestern coast the following day, bringing intense winds and substantial rainfall. Notably, Toliara and Taolagnaro recorded rain levels of 196 mm and 178 mm, respectively, within five days. This cyclone ultimately dissipated into the southern Indian Ocean over the weekend, leaving behind significant challenges for the region.
Simultaneously, Tropical Cyclone Faida, which formed on January 23, is affecting Madagascar after passing through Mauritius and Réunion Island. According to the ECHO report dated February 3, Faida possesses maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and is projected to strengthen as it travels westward. Its anticipated landfall in northern Madagascar is likely to impact multiple regions, including Analamanga, Alaotra Mangoro, and Atsinanana.
Previously, Madagascar endured significant damages from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which resulted in at least ten fatalities due to flooding and landslides. The cyclone notably overwhelmed a tortoise shelter, leading to the drowning of many radiated and spider tortoises, although over 10,000 tortoises were rescued. As cyclone activity increases, meteorological experts gather to enhance forecasting methodologies in Southern Africa, amid concerns of rising storm patterns attributed to climate change.
Experts from the U.K. Met Office have expressed that southern Africa is likely to witness a surge in storm activity as climate change advances, further compounded by previous cyclone incursions such as Tropical Cyclone Chido in December. The combination of these severe weather events denotes a growing urgency regarding climate-related resilience and preparedness in Madagascar and surrounding regions.
The article discusses the challenges faced by Madagascar as it deals with the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis, which recently caused fatalities and significant rainfall. As the nation braces for another storm, Cyclone Faida, forecasts show that this cyclone may intensify upon landfall. The discussion also highlights past cyclone events, such as Cyclone Dikeledi, emphasizing increasing weather-related disasters in the region. Furthermore, it examines the implications of climate change on the frequency of such storms, prompting a call for improved forecasting and preparedness strategies.
In summary, Madagascar is under the dual pressure of recovering from Cyclone Elvis and preparing for Cyclone Faida. The recent storms have resulted in loss of life and significant damage, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness in the face of increasing cyclone activity. With climate change projected to exacerbate storm frequency, authorities must prioritize adaptive measures to safeguard the population and wildlife against imminent threats.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
