Madagascar Faces New Cyclone Threat After Fatal Storm Damage

Madagascar prepares for Tropical Cyclone Faida, following Cyclone Elvis’s aftermath, which killed five people due to lightning strikes. Elvis caused significant rainfall and wind damage, while Faida is projected to strengthen before landfall on February 4. Local authorities stress emergency readiness as climate change increases storm occurrences in the region.

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 wake of Tropical Cyclone Elvis, which caused the deaths of at least five individuals due to lightning events in the Vohibato district, according to a report from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Additionally, two individuals were reported injured during Elvis’s passing.

Cyclone Elvis began its formation over the Mozambique Channel on January 28 and struck Madagascar’s southwestern coast on January 29. The cyclone brought substantial rainfall and intense winds, reaching maximum sustained speeds of 84 kilometers per hour (52 miles per hour). Notably, Toliara and Taolagnaro reported rainfall amounts of 196 and 178 millimeters (7.7 and 7 inches) within five days, as highlighted by The Guardian.

Following Elvis, Madagascar is now under the influence of Tropical Cyclone Faida, which formed over the southern Indian Ocean on January 23. Faida impacted Mauritius and Réunion Island before heading toward northern Madagascar, where it is anticipated to make landfall on February 4, affecting several regions including Analamanga and Alaotra Mangoro. ECHO reports indicate that Faida has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and is likely to intensify during its westward movement.

In Réunion Island, local authorities are advising residents to remain vigilant and prepare emergency supplies in light of the approaching cyclone. Just weeks prior to Elvis, Madagascar faced considerable damage from Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which resulted in flooding and landslides across the northeastern region and led to at least ten fatalities. The impact of Dikeledi was severe enough to flood a tortoise sanctuary, and over 10,000 tortoises were rescued after being swept away.

Recently, experts convened in Zambia to explore enhancements in weather forecasting for Southern Africa, responding to the alarming trend of increased storm activity attributed to climate change. The U.K. Met Office has stated that the region can expect to encounter increased storms as the effects of climate change become more pronounced, following the devastation wrought by Tropical Cyclone Chido in December.

Tropical cyclones regularly threaten Madagascar, often resulting in severe weather-related incidents that cause infrastructure damage, fatalities, and humanitarian crises. Recent occurrences of cyclone activity, including Cyclone Elvis and Cyclone Dikeledi, have highlighted the vulnerability of the region. With the emergence of Cyclone Faida, continuous monitoring and preparation are crucial for minimizing the humanitarian impact and ensuring public safety in affected areas.

Madagascar is currently managing the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis while bracing for the impending arrival of Cyclone Faida. The loss of life due to Elvis reinforces the dangers posed by tropical storms, particularly lightning incidents. As climate change continues to escalate storm intensity and frequency, proactive measures and improved forecasting in Southern Africa remain essential for disaster preparedness and response.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com