Tropical Cyclone DIKELEDI struck Nampula, Mozambique, on January 13, 2025, causing severe damage across multiple districts. Approximately 70,423 individuals were affected, with significant destruction to homes and critical infrastructure. Emergency shelter and essential services remain immediate priorities as rescue efforts continue in the wake of the cyclone.
Tropical Cyclone DIKELEDI made landfall in Nampula province, Mozambique, on January 13, 2025, severely affecting numerous districts as it passed through. It tracked across significant areas such as Ilha de Moçambique, Monapo, and Larde before exiting the coastline, accompanied by sustained winds up to 150 km/h and torrential rainfall exceeding 200 mm within 24 hours. Additionally, the cyclone generated powerful thunderstorms that resulted in severe disruptions across affected regions, including Nacala Porto and Nampula.
Preliminary assessments conducted by the Displacement Tracking Matrix, in collaboration with Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management, revealed that approximately 70,423 individuals were affected, corresponding to 15,123 households. Among those impacted, around 11,267 individuals possess various disabilities. The cyclone resulted in the partial destruction of 9,257 homes and the total destruction of 5,867 homes, displacing 2,316 individuals and leading to the establishment of 10 temporary shelters across Mossuril, Mogincual, and Monapo districts.
Critical infrastructure such as healthcare, educational facilities, and places of worship incurred significant damage. Key access routes in several regions were rendered impassable, which further isolated communities in need. As of January 16, numerous districts remained without essential services, including electricity and communication networks, and the total impact figures are expected to rise as ongoing data collection progresses.
Immediate needs identified include emergency shelter and non-food items (NFIs), as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies, alongside food security measures. Specific NFI requirements involve tarpaulins, lighting equipment, buckets, and blankets. Joint multi-sectoral assessments are currently underway, coordinated by INGD and its humanitarian partners to address the urgent needs of the affected population.
In January 2025, Mozambique faced the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone DIKELEDI, which significantly affected Nampula province. Cyclones in this region are not uncommon; however, DIKELEDI’s force and the extent of its damage prompted a coordinated response from various humanitarian organizations and governmental agencies. The cyclone posed immediate threats to individuals, especially among vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive disaster management and response mechanisms in coastal regions prone to such natural disasters.
Tropical Cyclone DIKELEDI has had a catastrophic impact on Nampula province, with widespread destruction and significant displacement of individuals. The assessments reveal urgent needs for shelter, non-food items, and basic services. Continued data collection and joint assessments are essential to ensure a timely and effective humanitarian response to aid the affected populations and restore critical infrastructure.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
