Mozambique is facing Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which has intensified and is projected to impact Nampula and coastal areas with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Approximately 255,310 people are expected to be affected, with the INGD activating emergency protocols. Humanitarian resources are strained as this is the second cyclone to hit within a month.
Mozambique is currently confronting the repercussions of Tropical Storm Dikeledi, which has transformed into a tropical cyclone as it traverses the Nampula province. It is anticipated that the cyclone will weaken as it moves inland but could regain strength as it re-enters the Mozambique Channel near Angoche by January 14. Coastal districts, particularly Mossuril, Angoche, Mogincual, and Liupo in Nampula province, are expected to experience violent winds and heavy rainfall, with accumulations reaching up to 200 mm within 24 hours. Furthermore, districts in Zambezia province will also be affected by this weather system.
The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) estimates that approximately 255,310 individuals are likely to be impacted by Cyclone Dikeledi, with 98,000 classified as being in high-risk areas. In light of the impending disaster, the government has initiated anticipatory actions in Angoche and Mongicual districts, including timely advisories for at-risk communities, preventive evacuations, and pre-deployment of response teams to facilitate local coordination. Humanitarian organizations have prepared to provide assistance, but resources are severely strained, as Dikeledi marks the second cyclone to strike Mozambique within a short timeframe.
Weather forecasts predict that Dikeledi will likely re-intensify as it approaches Madagascar, following its passage over land. Predominantly, the provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia are enduring adverse weather conditions, especially near the cyclone’s landfall zone, with torrential rainfall and damaging winds prevailing. Nampula is expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone’s impact, posing considerable risk, including flooding potential, infrastructural damage, and threats to educational and health facilities, with at least 491 schools and 62 health centers listed as vulnerable.
The INAM explicitly cautions about the severity of the weather events in the region, urging readiness and awareness in impacted districts as Cyclone Dikeledi advances with potentially hazardous conditions in the coastal waters between Ilha de Moçambique and northern Zambezia.
The context of this report revolves around Cyclone Dikeledi, which emerged recently as a significant weather event affecting Mozambique. The cyclone’s ongoing trajectory poses severe risks to vast segments of the population, especially those residing in vulnerable coastal areas. The region has witnessed a rapid succession of cyclonic activity, warranting urgent humanitarian and government responses to mitigate potential destruction and loss of life.
In summary, Mozambique faces critical challenges as Tropical Storm Dikeledi transitions into a cyclone, with extensive implications for numerous communities in Nampula and surrounding provinces. The INGD projects significant numbers of individuals at risk, prompting immediate governmental action to prepare for potential fallout. As the cyclone may regain intensity upon re-entering the Mozambique Channel, vigilance is essential for all affected regions to safeguard lives and infrastructure.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
