Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Strikes Madagascar, Causing 3 Fatalities and Displacement

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi wreaked havoc across eastern Africa over the weekend, claiming at least three lives in northern Madagascar, The Guardian reported. Initially a tropical disturbance, Dikeledi intensified into a cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph, making landfall between Vohemar and Antsiranana on Monday. The storm brought heavy rain and strong winds, leading to significant flooding.

As Dikeledi moved southward into the Mozambique Channel, it impacted the French territory of Mayotte, where heavy rainfall resulted in mudslides and forced 14,500 residents into emergency shelters. The cyclone is forecasted to reintensify this week, potentially reaching wind speeds above 100 mph, and is expected to bring further severe weather to parts of Mozambique.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the system continues its path, with predictions of heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout the region.