Cyclone Dikeledi: Current Situation and Preparedness Efforts in Mozambique

Cyclone Dikeledi has intensified into a tropical cyclone affecting Mozambique, especially Nampula province, with forecasts of heavy rainfall up to 200 mm and winds reaching 120 km/h. The National Institute for Disaster Management projects that approximately 255,310 individuals may be affected. Preparatory actions are being coordinated, although humanitarian capacities are strained due to prior cyclones.

Mozambique is currently enduring significant weather challenges as Tropical Storm Dikeledi has escalated into a tropical cyclone, moving across the Nampula province. While it is predicted to weaken over land, there remains the possibility of it re-entering the Mozambique Channel near Angoche by January 14, potentially intensifying to a cyclone or an intense cyclone. The National Meteorology Institute (INAM) warns of severe winds and heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm within a 24-hour period, affecting coastal areas such as Mossuril and Angoche and extending to districts in the Zambezia province.

The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) anticipates that approximately 255,310 individuals will be impacted by Cyclone Dikeledi, with 98,000 of those in high-risk zones. In response, the INGD has activated government protocols for anticipatory action in Angoche and Mongicual, implementing preparedness measures such as distributing advisories to at-risk communities and arranging for preventive evacuations and the deployment of emergency staff for local coordination. Although humanitarian organizations are prepared to assist, their capacity is already constrained because Dikeledi is the second cyclone to strike Mozambique within a month.

As Dikeledi progresses, Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia are experiencing extreme weather conditions. Nampula is being hit the hardest, facing heavy rainfall and destructive winds, along with perilous sea conditions, particularly along the coast between Ilha de Moçambique and northern Zambezia. The cyclone’s classification implies wind speeds of up to 120 km/h and rainfall accumulation that poses significant flooding risks to rivers and basins, coupled with the potential for damages to infrastructure, including at least 491 schools and 62 health facilities within the affected regions.

The INAM’s forecasts highlight the expected impact of high winds and substantial rainfall, underscoring the urgency for communities to stay informed and prepared as Cyclone Dikeledi unfolds. Immediate assistance is essential for those in high-risk areas to mitigate the storm’s potentially devastating effects.

Tropical cyclones present a recurring threat to Mozambique, with the recent reintensification of Tropical Storm Dikeledi into a tropical cyclone reflecting the vulnerability of the region to severe weather systems. This cyclone formation occurs in the context of the Indian Ocean’s warm waters, which can fuel such storms, increasing their intensity as they approach land. Furthermore, the country is grappling with the implications of multiple cyclones within a short span, straining humanitarian resources and complicating disaster response efforts. The National Meteorology Institute (INAM) provides critical weather forecasts essential for preparing the affected communities for imminent risks, embodying the importance of timely information dissemination regarding cyclonic conditions.

In summary, Mozambique is bracing for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, with significant rainfall and wind threats anticipated across multiple provinces. Activation of disaster management protocols highlights proactive measures being taken to safeguard communities. Given the scale of the potential impact, including displacement and damage to essential services, there is a pressing need for continued vigilance and readiness among humanitarian partners to respond to the exigencies posed by this weather event.

Original Source: reliefweb.int