Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Strikes Mozambique Following Fatalities in Madagascar

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi hit Mozambique on January 13, 2025, after causing three deaths and significant damage in Madagascar, where 5,210 people were affected. The cyclone reached winds up to 160 km/h in Mozambique, prompting Red warnings and flooding in affected areas. Evacuations and delayed school reopenings were necessary due to the storm’s impacts.

On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted Mozambique’s coastline after causing devastation in Madagascar. The cyclone initially made landfall in Madagascar’s Antsiranana province on January 11, reaching wind speeds of 155 km/h (96 mph) and resulting in at least three fatalities. Reports indicated significant destruction, with over 370 homes damaged and 69 schools affected, while 5,210 individuals were impacted in total. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) outlined that critical infrastructure was also compromised during the cyclone’s passage.

Following its trajectory over Madagascar, Dikeledi continued to Mayotte, prompting the evacuation of approximately 14,500 residents to emergency shelters as the storm intensified. Flights were cancelled at Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport, with a gradual return to normal operations planned. After brushing past Mayotte, the cyclone made its way to Mozambique, where it struck near Nacala with wind speeds reaching 160 km/h (98 mph), leading to severe rainfall in Nampula and Zambezia provinces.

The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued Red cyclone warnings for these regions, predicting heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm (8 inches) within a 24-hour period, along with strong winds. Authorities have also delayed the reopening of schools in affected areas until at least January 20.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is notable for its path across the Indian Ocean, affecting several regions with devastating effects. Prior to its arrival in Mozambique, it wreaked havoc in Madagascar, where it made landfall, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction. As the cyclone traversed across the region, it left a trail of impact on both infrastructure and communities. This event underscores the vulnerability of coastal areas in the face of natural disasters and the need for effective disaster preparedness protocols.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has significantly impacted multiple territories, beginning with Madagascar, where it caused loss of life and extensive infrastructure damage. The cyclone’s subsequent effects in Mozambique are also profound, with warnings in place for further heavy rainfall and strong winds. Such incidents highlight the critical importance of community preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of increasing cyclone activity due to climate change.

Original Source: watchers.news