Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Strikes Mozambique After Deadly Impact in Madagascar
On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted Mozambique after causing the deaths of three individuals and extensive damage in Madagascar. The cyclone resulted in significant infrastructure damage and localized flooding, leading to emergency evacuations and red alerts issued by meteorological authorities in Mozambique.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made its presence felt on January 13, 2025, as it brushed along the coast of Mozambique, following its devastating impact in Madagascar, where three individuals lost their lives and hundreds of homes were either damaged or destroyed. The cyclone made landfall in Madagascar’s Antsiranana province on January 11, 2025, unleashing winds reaching up to 155 km/h (96 mph). The aftermath reported significant destruction, including 11 homes completely destroyed, 370 damaged residences, and 69 impacted schools, affecting over 5,210 residents.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) provided troubling updates regarding the cyclone’s extensive damage to crucial infrastructure and the subsequent evacuation efforts. In addition to loss of life, localized flooding ensued, exacerbated by continued rainfall from the cyclone affecting Mahajanga and Toliara provinces. After impacting Madagascar, Dikeledi continued towards Mayotte, where recovery from the recent Tropical Cyclone Chido was still ongoing. With serious storm effects intensifying, approximately 14,500 people sought refuge in 79 emergency shelters. The Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport halted flight operations, with gradual resumption expected after January 13.
Upon reaching Mozambique, Dikeledi struck the northern coast near Nacala in Nampula Province, with wind speeds of up to 160 km/h (98 mph). The cyclone wreaked havoc, leading to flooding across the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia, prompting the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) to issue Red cyclone warnings—the peak alert level. Forecasts indicated heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm within 24 hours, coupled with thunderstorms affecting specific districts in Nampula Province such as Mussoril, Mogincual, Liupo, and Angoche.
The series of events underscored the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response capabilities in the region, as communities brace for recovery and the potential ongoing impact of extreme weather events.
The occurrence of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi highlights the ongoing vulnerability of regions like Madagascar and Mozambique to severe weather events, which are increasingly influenced by climate change. Cyclones pose a significant threat, leading to loss of life, destruction of property, and disruption of essential services. The recent cyclone is a stark reminder of the importance of effective emergency management systems and international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian crises that follow such disasters.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi significantly affected Madagascar and Mozambique, resulting in fatalities, destruction of homes, and disruption of critical infrastructure. The tragedy faced by impacted communities illustrates the urgent need for preparedness in the face of such natural disasters. Ongoing assessments and recovery efforts are crucial to support the affected populations in rebuilding their lives and infrastructure.
Original Source: watchers.news
