Madagascar Faces New Storm Threat as Cyclone Elvis Aftermath Lingers
Madagascar is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis, which killed five people, as it prepares for Tropical Cyclone Faida, expected to make landfall on February 4. Prior cyclones have also caused severe damage and fatalities, raising concerns about the increasing threat posed by climate change.
Madagascar is preparing for Tropical Cyclone Faida, expected to make landfall on its northern coast on February 4, while still recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Elvis, which recently caused at least five fatalities. According to a report from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), those killed in the eastern Vohibato district were involved in incidents associated with lightning. Additionally, Cyclone Elvis injured two individuals and was characterized by severe weather, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulting in substantial precipitation levels in various cities.
Elvis developed over the Mozambique Channel on January 28 and made landfall the following day, producing winds reaching up to 84 kilometers per hour (52 miles per hour). The cities of Toliara and Taolagnaro experienced rainfall totals of 196 and 178 millimeters (7.7 and 7 inches), respectively, over a five-day period. The cyclone ultimately dissipated over the southern Indian Ocean over the weekend.
As Madagascar braces for Cyclone Faida, which formed on January 23, the storm is anticipated to strengthen as it moves toward the island. Faida affected Mauritius and Réunion Island on February 2 before directing its path toward Madagascar. The ECHO report from February 3 indicates that Faida has maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour) and is projected to impact regions including Analamanga and Atsinanana soon after making landfall.
Local authorities on Réunion Island have advised residents to remain vigilant for weather updates and to prepare emergency supplies in anticipation of the storm. Previously, Madagascar was severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which occurred weeks prior to Elvis, causing extensive flooding and landslides that resulted in at least 10 fatalities.
Recent reports have highlighted the detrimental effects of Cyclone Dikeledi on wildlife, specifically flooding a tortoise sanctuary, wherein hundreds of radiated and spider tortoises perished. Fortunately, more than 10,000 tortoises were reportedly rescued from the devastation. In light of these challenges, meteorological experts recently convened in Zambia to discuss enhanced forecasting techniques for the region.
The U.K. Met Office warns that the southern African region is likely to experience an increase in storm activities as a consequence of climate change. This trend has also been observed with the destructive impact of Tropical Cyclone Chido in December.
The occurrence of tropical cyclones in Madagascar frequently results in devastating impacts on both human populations and the natural environment. Over the years, multiple cyclones have led to fatalities, injuries, and significant property damage. Increased climate variability has added to the vulnerability of the region, prompting calls for improved meteorological forecasting and preparedness measures to mitigate the effects of future storms.
In summary, Madagascar is currently facing the dual challenge of recovering from Cyclone Elvis, which resulted in loss of life and serious weather impacts, while also preparing for the impending Tropical Cyclone Faida. Recent cyclonic activities highlight the urgency of addressing climate change-related challenges within the region, as the frequency and severity of storms are expected to escalate in the coming years.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
