Tropical storm Dikeledi moved towards Mozambique after causing three deaths in Madagascar and triggering floods in Mayotte. With a red alert in effect, Mayotte residents are cautioned as the storm threatens to intensify. Previously, Cyclone Chido left substantial destruction in the region just weeks before Dikeledi’s arrival, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in this cyclone-prone area.
Tropical storm Dikeledi has departed from Mayotte, heading towards Mozambique after causing significant devastation. Following its intense impact on Madagascar, where it was upgraded to a cyclone, Dikeledi resulted in three fatalities and severe flooding. As it moved away from Mayotte, approximately 100 kilometers off the coast, officials maintained a red alert due to the lingering threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall, underscoring the region’s vulnerability. Nonetheless, no casualties were reported from the storm within Mayotte despite the alarming conditions; previously, Cyclone Chido inflicted 39 fatalities and major damage just weeks earlier.
By early Monday morning, Dikeledi was forecasted to worsen while traversing the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel. With predictions of intensifying into a severe cyclone, Meteo-France warned of dangerously adverse conditions in the Nampula region of Mozambique, including torrential rainfall and destructive winds. Even as Dikeledi approached, residents in Mayotte faced the aftermath of prior storms, with emergency services reporting losses, including dozens of homes washed away and significant inundation of various villages.
The cyclone season in the Indian Ocean runs from November to March, with tropical systems like Dikeledi forming in response to high surface water temperatures, which have been recorded near 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The region remains particularly susceptible to such storms, especially following the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Chido. Local officials and emergency services continue to grapple with the ramifications of ongoing severe weather, making disaster preparedness and response critical.
In summary, tropical storm Dikeledi has posed a significant threat to Mozambique after leaving deadly destruction in Madagascar and floods in Mayotte. While immediate impacts were less severe in Mayotte, the region’s ongoing vulnerability to cyclones necessitates vigilance and preparedness as climate change continues to amplify storm severity. Local authorities remain on high alert amidst concerns about ongoing rainfall and remediation efforts.
Original Source: www.cbs19news.com
