Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Causes Fatalities and Flooding in Madagascar and Mayotte

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted eastern Africa over the weekend, killing three in Madagascar and leading to flooding in Mayotte. Originating as a disturbance, it intensified into a cyclone, producing winds of 74 mph before making landfall. Forecasts suggest re-strengthening and further rainfall as it tracks southward down the Mozambique Channel this week.

This past weekend, parts of eastern Africa were subjected to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which originated as a minor tropical disturbance located between Indonesia and Australia on January 2. The system advanced westward and evolved into a depression over the following week, subsequently intensifying into a moderate tropical storm characterized by heavy rainfall and strong winds exceeding 39 mph (63 km/h) across central regions of the Indian Ocean. It was officially named Dikeledi as it intensified into a tropical cyclone, reaching maximum sustained winds of 74 mph on January 10, equivalent to a category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic.

Dikeledi made landfall on Madagascar on Saturday, particularly between the cities of Vohemar and Antsiranana. The island experienced significant wind and rainfall, resulting in at least three fatalities. Following landfall, the cyclone weakened into a tropical storm and moved toward the Mozambique Channel. As it passed south of Mayotte, the storm brought further heavy rainfall, causing flooding and mudslides. Approximately 14,500 individuals were displaced and sought refuge in emergency shelters, where they are expected to remain until conditions improve.

Forecasts indicate that Dikeledi will track southward down the Mozambique Channel this week, with projections suggesting a reintensification into tropical cyclone status early in the week. This would lead to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds, particularly affecting Mozambique. It is anticipated that the cyclone could intensify to an intense tropical cyclone, featuring mean wind speeds surpassing 100 mph by Wednesday and Thursday as it moves southeast, skirting the southern coast of Madagascar.

Additionally, strong winds were observed in the Adriatic Sea, with gusts reaching approximately 45 mph in Croatia, peaking at 60 mph during the morning hours. This wind event, recognized as the Bora phenomenon—a type of katabatic wind—typically occurs in winter, with conditions expected to ease by Tuesday.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi emerged from a minor tropical disturbance that developed between Indonesia and Australia and progressed through the Indian Ocean. The system’s evolution into a depression and subsequent intensification to a tropical cyclone is representative of seasonal cyclone patterns that frequently occur in this region. Cyclones are known for their capacity to cause significant disruptions, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for loss of life and infrastructure damage. The impact of Dikeledi is compounded by its interaction with previous cyclones, like Cyclone Chido, which affected Mayotte recently, demonstrating the vulnerability of these areas to recurring severe weather events.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has caused substantial disruption in eastern Africa, leading to loss of life in Madagascar and flooding in Mayotte. As Dikeledi continues its path through the Mozambique Channel, it is likely to strengthen, posing further risks to regions in Mozambique and surrounding areas. Preparedness for such events is essential, as exemplified by the emergency shelters activated in response to the cyclone’s impact.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com