Tropical Storm Dikeledi is heading towards Mozambique after causing three deaths in Madagascar and flooding in Mayotte. It has weakened into a severe tropical storm but is expected to intensify further. Local authorities are mobilizing responders in preparation for adverse weather conditions as the region recovers from Cyclone Chido’s devastation.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi is advancing towards Mozambique after having caused three fatalities in Madagascar and resulting in significant flooding in Mayotte, a French territory. Initially impacting Madagascar’s northern region as a cyclone on Saturday, Dikeledi transformed into a severe tropical storm as it approached Mayotte, sparking a red alert that remains in effect. Residents of Mayotte continue to face adverse weather conditions, with local authorities reporting substantial damage and numerous houses washed away.
Dikeledi intensified as it nears Mozambique, where forecasters predict it may escalate into an intense cyclone due to favorable warm water conditions in the Mozambique Channel. The impact of this storm is particularly concerning as the region is still recovering from Cyclone Chido, which earlier had a devastating toll, leaving at least 39 dead and thousands injured in Mayotte alone. With heavy rains expected to persist in the newly affected areas, local officials continue to prepare for potential worse outcomes.
Authorities in Mayotte have mobilized over 4,000 personnel, including police and military, to respond appropriately amid the red alert measures, which restrict movement to essential services only. While isolated incidents of residents defied the alert to tend to property needs have been reported, the risks presented by Dikeledi’s approach remain a significant concern for local authorities, who are taking precautions to mitigate potential damage as severe weather conditions loom.
The Indian Ocean region typically experiences cyclone activity from November to March, with storms intensifying in severity due to elevated sea surface temperatures, attributed to global warming trends. The region has recently endured the effects of Cyclone Chido, which inflicted considerable devastation upon Mayotte and Mozambique. The recurrence of tropical storms raises alarms about the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by these communities, necessitating comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies.
The approach of Tropical Storm Dikeledi to Mozambique is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to severe weather events, particularly as communities are still reeling from the impact of previous cyclones. Authorities are taking necessary precautions to ensure public safety amid the ongoing red alert in Mayotte. The situation underscores the critical need for improved disaster management and adaptation strategies to address the increasing frequency of tropical storms in the Indian Ocean.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
