Mozambique is facing Tropical Storm Dikeledi, now a cyclone affecting Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia. With rainfall up to 200 mm and winds of 120 km/h, 255,310 people are at risk, particularly 98,000 in high-risk areas. Critical infrastructure, including schools and health facilities, are threatened, necessitating urgent assistance.
Mozambique is currently contending with the impacts of Tropical Storm Dikeledi, which has intensified into a tropical cyclone and is traversing Nampula Province. Forecasts suggest that as Dikeledi progresses over land, it is likely to weaken but may re-enter the warmer waters of the Mozambique Channel near Angoche district on January 14, potentially re-strengthening into a tropical or intense cyclone as it approaches Madagascar.
The provinces most affected by this severe weather system include Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia. Notably, Nampula is facing heavy torrential rainfall and destructive winds, creating hazardous sea conditions between Ilha de Moçambique and northern Zambezia. As Dikeledi continues to develop, weather forecasts indicate sustained heavy rainfall and significant wind speeds impact the region’s stability.
The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) estimates that approximately 255,310 individuals are at risk, with around 98,000 in high-risk zones urgently requiring assistance. Cyclone Dikeledi is projected to bring excessive rainfall, up to 200 mm within 24 hours, alongside wind speeds reaching 120 km/h. Although it mirrors Cyclone Chido’s intensity, Dikeledi is expected to exert a shorter, albeit notable, impact on coastal districts through flooding and infrastructure damage.
Critical infrastructure is at risk due to the cyclone, particularly 491 schools and 62 healthcare facilities, which could suffer destruction due to the extreme weather. The National Meteorology Institute (INAM) has reported that coastal districts, including Mossuril, Angoche, and Mogincual, will likely experience strong winds and heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm in a 24-hour period as the cyclone progresses in Nampula province.
Tropical Storm Dikeledi has presented a significant threat to Mozambique, particularly within the provinces most susceptible to severe weather events. The re-intensification of Dikeledi raises concerns over flooding and infrastructural damage resulting from heavy rainfall and high winds. Understanding the risk to population and infrastructure is vital for mobilizing the necessary humanitarian response and ensuring public safety in the affected regions.
In summary, Tropical Storm Dikeledi’s impact on Mozambique, particularly in Nampula province, is severe, with significant rainfall and strong winds expected. The risk to hundreds of thousands of people and critical infrastructure necessitates immediate attention and preparedness from emergency services and humanitarian organizations. Continuous monitoring and preventive measures are imperative to mitigate the storm’s effects on vulnerable communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
