By Lawrence Paganga
The National Institute of Meteorology of Mozambique (INAM) has warned that a cyclone could pose risks to the country from next week.
INAM has since appealed to farmers and the ordinary population to keep on the lookout for weather updates and warnings.
“A low atmospheric pressure system has formed, which could evolve into a tropical cyclone over the east coast of Madagascar on January 22,” the INAM said.
INAM, and other meteorological networks in the SADC region – will continue to “monitor the evolution” of the system, and appealed to the population to follow meteorological updates.
Between December and April, the warm waters in the Indian Ocean, including the Mozambique Channel, are one of the factors that contribute to the formation of cyclones.
However, INAM deputy director Mussa Mustafa urged Mozambicans not to panic.
“Up to this point, it is impossible to predict how big a phenomenon this might be, or where it might pass, because whether it develops or weakens depends on atmospheric conditions,” Mustafa said.
“The most important thing is that the population is aware and stays informed about what is happening.”
In Mozambique, 10 people have died while another 47 493 have been affected by rains, strong winds, and other natural disasters during the current rainy season.
In 2019, more than 1 000 people were reported killed by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
According to weather forecasts, conditions are expected to become conducive for tropical development off North-East Madagascar late this week into next weekend.
Heavy rain and flooding are possible in North-East Madagascar by next weekend. Developments of a cyclone look probable.
In 2021, more than 200 000 hectares of crop were destroyed by Cyclone Eloise.
