Cyclone Dikeledi: Madagascar Faces Severe Weather Threat as Preparedness Grows
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is set to land in northern Madagascar on January 11, 2025, with heavy rainfall expected to impact approximately 45,000 people. Humanitarian efforts are underway to distribute food and emergency supplies, and warnings have been issued in multiple districts. The cyclone may reach the Mozambican Channel by January 12, creating a risk of flooding and landslides.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is anticipated to make landfall in the districts of Vohémar and Antsiranana in northern Madagascar on January 11, 2025. Heavy rainfall has commenced in northern regions and is projected to persist until January 13. The National Risk Atlas and the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) have reported that approximately 45,000 individuals are expected to be directly impacted by the cyclone. In response, humanitarian partners have enhanced preparedness measures by distributing emergency supplies and mobilizing additional resources. Additionally, awareness campaigns have already begun in Mozambique in anticipation of the cyclone’s potential effects.
As of 10:00 a.m. local time, Cyclone Dikeledi was located 152 kilometers east of Vohemar, with sustained winds of 120 km/h and moving at a rate of 21 km/h. Forecasts suggest that heavy rainfall may result in flooding and landslides, with the National Meteorological Service estimating that Antsiranana might receive up to 170 mm of rainfall today. This predicted rainfall is, however, significantly less than that caused by Tropical Cyclone Gamane which struck the region in April 2024. The BNGRC’s data indicates that TC Dikeledi is expected to directly affect a total of approximately 45,082 individuals across several administrative areas.
Cyclone warnings are currently in effect for the Sava and Diana districts, the latter of which is under a red alert. Other regions have been assigned yellow and green alerts. Projections indicate that TC Dikeledi may reach the Mozambican channel by January 12, with significant rainfall and rough sea conditions anticipated in neighboring regions, according to the Southern African Development Community’s Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre.
Emergency response efforts are being mobilized, including the dissemination of early warning messages to at-risk communities. Stockpiles established during the earlier Cyclone Chido in December 2024 have been activated for immediate response. Cash assistance has been provided to 9,000 households, and 350 tons of food is being transported by boat. The BNGRC has deployed two teams to the northern regions to facilitate local coordination and possible evacuations. The National Emergency Operations Coordination Center (CNCOU) has been activated, with preparations underway to mobilize necessary stocks and implement awareness messaging across various sectors.
Educational emergency protocols have been initiated, with temporary classrooms and learning materials pre-positioned in affected regions. Health partners, including the Department of Emergency and Response to Epidemics and Disasters (SURECA), are also preparing to distribute medical supplies and health kits. However, there are still concerns regarding inadequate WASH supplies in high-risk areas. Protection activities are ongoing, and while shelter partners are preparing temporary sites, many individuals prefer to stay with family or friends.
Food security efforts include the distribution of rice and bean seeds in Vohémar. Furthermore, infrastructure challenges persist due to damage from previous cyclones, complicating road access to the north. Meanwhile, awareness activities have commenced in Mozambique, although as of now, the cyclone does not pose an immediate threat to coastal regions.
Tropical Cyclones are significant weather events that can cause widespread destruction, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Madagascar. The country experiences cyclones frequently, which are devastating due to their potential for causing floods, landslides, and other critical humanitarian challenges. Understanding the impact of cyclones on communities, particularly in terms of preparedness measures, emergency response actions, and potential long-term consequences, is essential for effective disaster management and recovery strategies. The recent history of cyclones, including Tropical Cyclone Gamane, emphasizes the recurring nature of these threats and the need for consistent vigilance and robust emergency frameworks.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi poses a significant risk to northern Madagascar, with expectations of heavy rainfall and direct impacts on around 45,000 individuals. Humanitarian partners are actively preparing and responding, enhancing emergency stocks and coordinating with local authorities for effective disaster management. The situation remains fluid as the cyclone approaches, necessitating continued vigilance and responsive actions to mitigate impacts on affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
