Storm Alert: Tropical Cyclone Emnati Threatens Madagascar with Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Landslides

Madagascar is bracing for the incoming Tropical Cyclone Emnati, the fourth tropical cyclone to hit the island country this year.

On Monday, Feb. 21, US meteorologists issued a storm warning that Emnati will bring torrential rain, flooding, and landslides.

Still recovering from previous tropical cyclones, the island nation has been preparing for Emnati's arrival. Local authorities and humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, are providing relief operations and preparation measures.

Tropical Cyclone Emnati

(Photo : National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) via Getty Images)

According to the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Tropical Cyclone Emnati has sustained winds of up to 90 mph as of Tuesday, Feb. 22.

It is the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, as per The Washington Post.

The JTWC is the joint command and meteorology center of the United States Navy and the United States Air Force based in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In addition, the JWTC forecasted that Tropical Cyclone Emnati is moving slowly and will likely bring heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides.

Furthermore, the amount of rainfall can accumulate between four and eight inches. However, conflicting weather models are reportedly indicating that rainfall can reach up to 24 inches, as per the JWTC.

Emnati will likely cross previously storm-hit areas, especially in southeast Madagascar.

As Emnati approaches, local authorities and the Red Cross provide emergency relief items and early warning support for areas at risk from the tropical cyclone's path.

Struck by several storms this year, the island nation is still recovering amid the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Emnati.

Also read: Over 70 Dead as Tropical Storm Ana Wreaks Havoc on Southern African Countries

Previous Storms

Tropical Cyclone Emnati formed over the Indian Ocean on Thursday, Feb. 16, and has been moving toward Madagascar since then.

As a result, heavy rain is likely across Madagascar in the coming days from Wednesday, Feb. 23.

The storm was initially forecasted to make landfall in Madagascar on Tuesday after passing the French territory of La Reunion, as per Reliefweb, the humanitarian digital service of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Overall, more than 200 people have died this year due to tropical cyclones.

Emnati formed just a day after Tropical Storm Dumako battered the country, resulting in at least two missing people and the displacement of more than 800, as per The Washington Post.

Dumako was preceded by Cyclone Batsirai, which killed over 120 people and displaced approximately 145,000 people on the island.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Ana, the country's first storm this year, struck the nation in late January.

Typhoon Season in the Indian Ocean

The occurrence of storms over the Indian Ocean does happen but only on rare occasions. However, the case of the four consecutive storms in Madagascar this year proves otherwise.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, it is rare to witness four storms occurring within a span of one month.

Madagascar and its surrounding countries rarely experience storms throughout the year. Yet, its impact may range from moderate to severe.

In March 2019, Tropical Storm Ida caused widespread damage in multiple countries in southeast Africa, including Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

Ida killed more than 1,300 people and large-scale displacement during its wake.

Related article: Tropical Cyclone Batsirai Leaves Trail of Destruction in Madagascar, Claims Twenty Lives