Tropical cyclone headed for SD

Cyclone Irina is feared to be far worse than Cyclone Domoina (Zamcolo) which hit the kingdom in 1984 and caused severe flooding and mudslides that destroyed property and lives.

Unlike the recent Cyclone Dando which came close to the kingdom before changing direction, Irina is expected to drift directly over the country over the course of three-four days. This means it will begin tomorrow and run up to Tuesday.

The Swaziland Meteorological Department has in fact issued a warning that the new cyclone will be characterised by heavy rains expected to last no-less than three days and also strong winds travelling at a speed of 80km/h or slightly above.

"Cyclone Irina originates from the north eastern sea part of Madagascar and is expected to be drawn into the Mozambican Channel where it is expected to gather momentum and size because of the warm current there.

It will then travel to Mozambique down to the South Coast and eventually Swaziland," explained Dumsani Sithole, Senior Met Officer.

He added that indeed this cyclone was most likely to surpass the intensity of Domoina. From tomorrow, rainfall in some areas of the country is expected to rise to well over 100 millilitres.

Phephisa Sihlongonyane, another Senior Met Officer, said destruction associated with natural disasters like big cyclones would most likely be felt.

These include mudslides, floods, breaking of dams, fallen trees and so on. Winds of 80km/h or more are dangerous.

A vehicle travelling at this speed could cause serious injuries if it knocked a human being.

Sihlongonyane also revealed that the South African Weather Service has also released a national warning about Cyclone Irina.

Heavy rains in that country are expected to start over the Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga and also Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Comments

Thanks guyz for such articles it gives us time to prepare ourselves. May God protect us even in this time around
Mar 2, 2012, 3:44 AM, Skhumbuzo (wachachamrs@hotmail.com)

Thank you very much for such notification, it is very important for some who have plans. And this article will be useful in my project * The effect of global warming in Swaziland*
Mar 2, 2012, 9:13 AM, Percy Mxolisi Mndzebele (percymxo@gmail.com)

Thank you so much for such information some of us dont live at home but we are now aware what is going to happen and we hope our families will be protected and Im also in Kzn and now i know that there will be a tropical cyclone.
Mar 2, 2012, 9:13 AM, Lindelwa nxumalo (linxnxumalo@gmail.com)

This Irina must be a disappointed woman. Why should she be so cruel? The rain? The wind? All that? Oh please Irina, dont come near us, we dont want more sorrow, we have enough on our plate already and nothing tastes sweet really!
Mar 2, 2012, 9:13 AM, gasolo (msutfumuz@yahoo.com)

Thank you guys for letting us know. In the name of Jesus Christ I reverse her. Let her be just light rains with light winds. Lord you ve never disappointed me. Grant me my request i pray .... Amen
Mar 2, 2012, 3:14 PM, Jabu (jabusibandze@yahoo.com)

Is this cyclone really coming? How many days will it last..? WORRIED bekunene
Mar 2, 2012, 3:14 PM, philani (philanimabuza10@ovi.com)

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