n January 11, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Madagascar and the French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, leaving a trail of destruction. The storm unleashed heavy rainfall and winds exceeding 115 km/h, tragically claiming at least three lives in Madagascar.
Madagascar bore the brunt of Dikeledi’s power, experiencing widespread damage and flooding. In Mayotte, torrential rain caused flooding and mudslides, compounding the island's vulnerability after Cyclone Chido ravaged the archipelago in December 2024. Cyclone Chido was the most severe storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, and Dikeledi’s arrival has further tested the resilience of these communities.
As of January 13, Dikeledi is moving southwards through the Mozambique Channel. Meteorologists forecast that it will bring rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds to parts of Mozambique in the coming days. Communities along the channel should remain vigilant and prepare for potential impacts.
Dikeledi’s magnitude and trajectory are captured in a striking image from the Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite, taken on January 13, 2025. The image shows the storm swirling in the Mozambique Channel, offering a visual reminder of the power and scope of such tropical systems.
Cyclones like Dikeledi and Chido underscore the growing risks posed by extreme weather events in the Indian Ocean region. They highlight the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and global action to address climate change, which exacerbates the frequency and intensity of such storms.
As the region braces for more potential impacts, the resilience and cooperation of affected communities and nations remain essential.
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