Impact of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi on Nampula, Mozambique
On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Nampula province, Mozambique, with winds up to 150 km/h and heavy rainfall. Approximately 70,423 individuals were affected, leading to significant damage and displacements. Immediate needs include emergency shelter, NFIs, and WASH services as assessments continue to evaluate the full impact.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Nampula province, Mozambique, on January 13, 2025, causing widespread damage as it traversed the area. The cyclone impacted Ilha de Moçambique, Monapo, Mogincual, Liupo, Angoche, and Larde before moving offshore. With sustained winds up to 150 km/h and gusts reaching 180 km/h, Dikeledi was accompanied by torrential rainfall exceeding 200 mm in just 24 hours, resulting in severe thunderstorms. Various districts, including Nacala Porto and Muecate, experienced significant effects beyond the cyclone’s path.
As of January 16, preliminary assessments by the Displacement Tracking Matrix in collaboration with Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management estimate that approximately 70,423 individuals, representing 15,123 households, have been affected. This population includes around 11,267 individuals with various disabilities, such as physical and sensory impairments. The cyclone resulted in partial destruction of 9,257 houses and total destruction of 5,867 residences, leaving 2,316 individuals displaced.
Currently, ten temporary facilities have been identified to accommodate the displaced population, with 1,534 individuals in Mossuril, 722 in Mogincual, and 60 in Monapo districts. Critical infrastructure, including healthcare centers, schools, and places of worship, has suffered significant damage. Important transportation routes in Corrane, Liupo, Angoche, and Namitil are impassable, further isolating affected communities. Many districts remain without electricity and communication as of January 16, and numbers are expected to rise as assessments continue.
Immediate needs highlighted include emergency shelter and non-food items (NFIs), followed by necessities related to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and food security. Key NFI requests consist of tarpaulins, lighting, buckets, and blankets. Humanitarian organizations, in collaboration with INGD, are conducting joint multi-sectoral needs assessments to address these urgent demands.
In January 2025, Mozambique was severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which brought extreme weather conditions including strong winds and heavy rainfall. Cyclones pose a significant risk in the region, often leading to extensive destruction of infrastructure, displacement of communities, and urgent humanitarian needs. Understanding the context and effects of such cyclones is critical for evaluating disaster response and preparedness efforts in Mozambique, especially in vulnerable regions like Nampula province.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi significantly affected Nampula province in Mozambique, causing widespread destruction and displacement. With tens of thousands affected, the immediate needs are evident, calling for an urgent response from humanitarian organizations to provide shelter and essential supplies. The situation continues to evolve as assessments are conducted, indicating that the overall impact may worsen as more data is gathered.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
