Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Mozambique on January 13, 2025, after causing three deaths and widespread destruction in Madagascar. The cyclone’s strong winds and heavy rainfall led to significant damage in both Madagascar and Mozambique, prompting emergency responses and evacuations throughout affected regions.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted Mozambique on January 13, 2025, following its devastating passage through Madagascar, where it claimed three lives and demolished numerous structures. The cyclone made landfall in Madagascar’s Antsiranana province on January 11, unleashing winds of up to 155 km/h (96 mph) and affecting over 5,200 individuals, with 11 homes completely destroyed and 370 others sustained damage, alongside impacts on 69 schools.
As Dikeledi moved southeast past Mayotte, currently recovering from Tropical Cyclone Chido, nearly 14,500 people evacuated to emergency shelters. On January 13, Dikeledi brushed the coast of Mozambique near Nacala, Nampula Province, with winds escalating to 160 km/h (98 mph). The National Institute of Meteorology in Mozambique issued red cyclone warnings due to expected heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm (8 inches) in certain districts, leading to flooding and significant disruptions across the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia.
The context surrounding Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi illustrates the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclonic storms in the southwestern Indian Ocean. As evidenced by its trajectory and impact in Madagascar and Mozambique, Dikeledi reveals vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness to such natural disasters. This incident demonstrates the interconnected nature of regional climate patterns and highlights the critical need for effective disaster response mechanisms in affected countries.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has highlighted the serious implications of natural disasters in the region, with significant loss of life and extensive infrastructural damage stemming from its recent path through Madagascar and Mozambique. Following the storm, a series of alerts and adjustments to operations were implemented to address the needs of affected communities. The ongoing situation underscores the necessity for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of increasing cyclonic activity.
Original Source: watchers.news
