Madagascar Prepares for Cyclone Faida Following Impact of Cyclone Elvis

Madagascar faces the impact of Tropical Cyclone Faida after Cyclone Elvis caused five fatalities. Elvis formed on January 28, bringing heavy rain and winds. Faida, with winds of 65 km/h, is set to hit the north of the island on February 4, prompting local preparedness initiatives. The region recently experienced significant challenges from Cyclone Dikeledi, stressing the need for enhanced weather forecasting.

Madagascar is currently facing the impending impact of Tropical Cyclone Faida, which is projected to make landfall on February 4 along the northern coast. This comes in the wake of Cyclone Elvis, which recently caused the deaths of at least five individuals due to lightning events in the Vohibato district. Two additional people sustained injuries from the same weather disturbances.

Cyclone Elvis originated over the Mozambique Channel on January 28 and made landfall on Madagascar’s southwestern coast the following day. It brought heavy rains and powerful winds, with recorded gusts reaching 84 kilometers per hour. The cities of Toliara and Taolagnaro experienced significant rainfall, measuring 196 and 178 millimeters respectively, over a five-day period, as noted in various reports.

Elvis dissipated over the southern Indian Ocean over the weekend, but the region is bracing for Tropical Cyclone Faida. This storm emerged over the southern Indian Ocean on January 23 before impacting Mauritius and Réunion Island on February 2, now on a trajectory towards northern Madagascar. Faida currently possesses maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and is anticipated to increase in strength while moving westward.

Geographically, once it makes landfall, Faida is expected to affect multiple regions including Analamanga, Alaotra Mangoro, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, and Sofia. In Réunion Island, local authorities have urged residents to prepare for potential adverse weather conditions and stock up on emergency supplies in anticipation of the cyclone.

In the weeks preceding Cyclone Elvis, Madagascar and surrounding regions endured the effects of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which resulted in floods and landslides that claimed at least ten lives. This cyclone notably impacted a tortoise sanctuary, causing significant distress to populations of radiated and spider tortoises, despite efforts to rescue over 10,000 animals.

Meteorological experts, scientists, and economists convened in Zambia last week to enhance forecasting methodologies for Southern Africa. This initiative aims to address the increased frequency of storms, a consequence attributed to the ongoing effects of climate change affecting the region.

The article discusses the severe weather events impacting Madagascar, including the recent Cyclone Elvis and the approaching Cyclone Faida. It highlights the fatalities and damage caused by Elvis, recent flooding incidents due to Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, and proactive measures taken by local authorities in response to these storms. The article also touches on the regional implications of climate change contributing to an increase in storm occurrences.

In summary, Madagascar is currently grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Elvis, which resulted in casualties and injuries, while simultaneously preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Faida. The region’s vulnerability to severe weather is underscored by recent cyclones, emphasizing the need for improved meteorological approaches amidst the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com