Mozambique is bracing for Cyclone Dikeledi, which has re-intensified and is expected to impact Nampula province with heavy rain and winds. Approximately 255,310 people are at risk, with 98,000 in high-risk areas. Emergency protocols are activated as humanitarian partners prepare to assist those in need. The storm is anticipated to cause severe flooding and infrastructural damage as it approaches the coast.
Mozambique is currently facing the threat of Cyclone Dikeledi, which has re-intensified from a tropical storm and is moving across Nampula province. The storm is anticipated to weaken upon making landfall, but forecasts suggest that it may regain strength upon re-entering the Mozambique Channel near Angoche on January 14. With heavy rainfall expected to reach up to 200 mm in 24 hours and winds of up to 120 km/h, coastal districts, particularly Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia, are under significant threat from flooding and destructive winds.
The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) has estimated that approximately 255,310 individuals may be affected by the cyclone, including a critical number of 98,000 residents in high-risk areas. In response, INGD has activated anticipatory action protocols in the most vulnerable districts, working alongside humanitarian partners to prepare advisories and establish evacuation procedures. Despite being the second cyclone to impact Mozambique within a month, local response teams are mobilizing to mitigate the storm’s effects.
As Cyclone Dikeledi approaches, weather conditions are worsening, especially around the landfall zone. The projected heavy rain and wind pose risks of significant flooding in rivers and basins, along with potential damage to existing infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health facilities. The situation demands urgent attention as communities prepare for the looming cyclone, raising concerns for the safety and wellbeing of those in the affected areas.
Cyclone Dikeledi presents a severe weather threat to Mozambique, particularly affecting provinces such as Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia. The National Meteorology Institute (INAM) and the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) are closely monitoring the situation as the cyclone could intensify after moving back into the Mozambique Channel. This storm emerges only weeks after another cyclone struck the region, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by local populations in a region often prone to severe weather events. Preparations are crucial to minimize the impact on affected communities as heavy rains and strong winds are expected.
In summary, Cyclone Dikeledi poses a significant threat to Mozambique, with heavy rainfall and strong winds projected to affect coastal areas, particularly Nampula. The authorities estimate over a quarter of a million people may be impacted, necessitating immediate preparedness and response efforts. The response from humanitarian agencies and local disaster management authorities is crucial to mitigate risks and support affected communities during this emergency situation.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
