Cyclone Batsirai makes landfall in Madagascar
Experts have suggested that Batsirai, once entering the Mozambican Channel, will adopt a direct southerly track and is not expected to make landfall in mainland Africa.
The town of Mananjary in eastern Madagascar is reeling after feeling the full effects of intense tropical cyclone Batsirai last night (Saturday).
With winds of over 200km/h, the 600km-wide cyclone battered the small town of 25 000 inhabitants and surrounding areas.
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Tropical cyclones begin dissipating once making contact with land, and, while Batsirai is expected to regain some intensity after entering the Mozambican Channel, weather experts have forecast that the system will only reach moderate tropical cyclone intensity.
Photo: i-voyace avec Nature Mada
Weather models and experts in the field have suggested Batsirai will adopt a direct southerly track once in the channel, meaning the system is not expected to make landfall over mainland Africa.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Friday reiterated that, while parts of KZN had been placed on level 4 severe weather warnings for heavy rains and thunderstorms, this system was not linked to tropical cyclone Batsirai in any way.
Photo: i-voyage avec Nature Mada
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