Tropical Storm Dumako is projected to make landfall on the northeastern coast of Madagascar on Tuesday evening.
The cyclone is the fourth this year and is forecast to make landfall in northeastern Madagascar and the areas of Sava, Analanjirofo and Toamasina are on alert.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Tropical Storm Dumako has sustained winds of up to 100km/h. It said:
According to the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM), Dumako is currently classified as a Moderate Tropical Storm and is expected to reach eastern Madagascar on 15-16 February with winds up to 100km/h.
As per the latest modelling, Dumako could then evolve into a Severe Tropical Storm and head towards the Mozambique Channel, possibly making landfall in the country on 18 February.
The U.N. Meteorological Organisation says at least eight to 12 more cyclones may hit southern Africa and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean before the cyclone season ends in May.
Evans Mukolwe, an African meteorological expert who is a consultant for the U.N.’s intergovernmental authority on climate prediction had this to say:
In the last few years, we have noted more warming of the oceans. This change in climatic patterns in the Indian Ocean normally leads to an increase of cyclones in the southwestern part.
Climate change is having severe impacts on Africa.