On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Mozambique after leaving three dead in Madagascar. The cyclone first made landfall in Madagascar with winds reaching 155 km/h, leading to numerous damages including 11 destroyed homes and significant infrastructure challenges. As it moved towards Mozambique, it caused heavy rainfall and flooding, prompting red alerts in affected areas.
On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted Mozambique following its path through Madagascar, where it resulted in three fatalities and significant infrastructure damage. The cyclone first made landfall in Madagascar’s Antsiranana province on January 11, bringing maximum wind speeds of 155 km/h (96 mph). Reports indicate that at least 5,210 individuals were affected, with 11 homes destroyed and around 370 damaged. Furthermore, 69 schools were also impacted, necessitating emergency measures as rainfall bands continued to cause localized flooding.
Subsequently, after traversing northern Madagascar, the cyclone brushed the coast of Mozambique near Nacala, Nampula Province on January 13, maintaining sustained winds of up to 160 km/h (98 mph). This led to severe rainfall and flooding across Nampula and Zambezia provinces, prompting the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology to issue Red cyclone warnings for these areas. Forecasts predicted heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm (8 inches) within 24 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusts up to 160 km/h (99 mph) particularly affecting districts such as Mussoril, Mogincual, Liupo, and Angoche.
Tropical cyclones often pose a significant threat to coastal regions, with the potential to cause life-threatening situations and extensive property damage. The recent Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi exemplifies the challenges faced by countries like Madagascar and Mozambique, which frequently endure the repercussions of such extreme weather events. The storms can lead to fatalities, extensive evacuations, and disruption to essential services, necessitating urgent humanitarian response efforts. Understanding the impacts of Dikeledi provides insight into the broader context of climate-related natural disasters affecting the region.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has had a devastating impact on regions in Madagascar and Mozambique. With casualties reported in Madagascar and serious flooding concerns in Mozambique, the natural disaster underscores the vulnerability of these areas to extreme weather events. Authorities are working to address the resulting humanitarian needs while ensuring the safety of residents affected by the cyclone’s aftermath. Additionally, the continuous monitoring and effective emergency responses will be crucial as conditions evolve due to the cyclone’s influence.
Original Source: watchers.news
