Madagascar Faces New Storm Threat Following Cyclone Elvis Aftermath
Madagascar prepares for Tropical Cyclone Faida as it recovers from Cyclone Elvis, which killed five people. Elvis unleashed powerful winds and heavy rainfall, while Faida is expected to strengthen as it approaches northern Madagascar. Previous storms have exacerbated flooding, leading experts to emphasize the need for better forecasting amidst climate change risks.
Madagascar is currently preparing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Faida, expected to make landfall on its northern coast on February 4. This comes in the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis, which resulted in the deaths of at least five people, primarily due to lightning incidents in Vohibato District. The storm caused extensive rainfall and strong winds, primarily affecting southern Madagascar.
Cyclone Elvis formed over the Mozambique Channel and struck Madagascar’s southwestern coast on January 29, with maximum sustained winds reaching 84 km/h (52 mph). Significant rainfall was recorded in Toliara and Taolagnaro, measuring 196 mm (7.7 inches) and 178 mm (7 inches) respectively over five days. After impacting Madagascar, Elvis weakened and dissipated in the southern Indian Ocean.
Cyclone Faida, which formed over the southern Indian Ocean on January 23, has already affected Mauritius and Réunion Island before moving towards Madagascar. With maximum winds of 65 km/h (40 mph), it is expected to intensify as it approaches Madagascar and will significantly affect multiple regions including Analamanga and Atsinanana.
In response to the impending cyclone, authorities on Réunion Island have advised residents to stay alert for weather updates and to prepare necessary emergency supplies. Past storms have also severely affected Madagascar; Cyclone Dikeledi struck weeks prior, resulting in at least ten fatalities and causing significant flooding and landslides in the northeast.
Meteorological experts, scientists, and economists recently convened in Zambia to enhance forecasting methodologies for Southern Africa, amidst the increasing frequency of severe storms attributed to climate change. The U.K. Met Office has indicated a growing trend of intense storms in the region as a consequence of climate change.
The article discusses the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis in Madagascar, which led to at least five fatalities due to lightning. The report conveys the impact of other storms, including Cyclone Faida, which is anticipated to strike northern Madagascar shortly after Elvis. It emphasizes the broader context of cyclone activity in the region and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.
In summary, Madagascar is facing significant challenges from tropical cyclones, with recent storms causing fatalities and damage across the region. The country is preparing for the imminent arrival of Cyclone Faida, following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Elvis. Enhanced meteorological efforts are underway to improve forecasting and response to these increasing weather events due to climate change.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
