Mozambique Faces Severe Weather as Cyclone Dikeledi Approaches
Mozambique faces severe weather effects from Cyclone Dikeledi, with significant rainfall and winds predominantly impacting Nampula province. Approximately 255,310 individuals are at risk, with urgent assistance needed for many. The National Meteorology Institute forecasts heavy rainfall and winds, threatening local infrastructure such as schools and health facilities.
Mozambique is currently experiencing the effects of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, which has recently re-intensified. As it traverses Nampula province, projections suggest it may weaken as it moves inland. However, forecasts indicate a potential re-entry into the warm waters of the Mozambique Channel around Angoche district on January 14, where it may regain strength before approaching Madagascar from January 14 to 15.
The provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia are enduring severe weather related to the cyclone, with Nampula facing the most significant impact. Heavy rainfall and destructive winds are complicating conditions in the landfall areas, along with hazardous coastal sea conditions, particularly between Ilha de Moçambique and northern Zambezia.
Approximately 255,310 individuals in Nampula are at risk due to the cyclone, with 98,000 people in high-risk zones anticipated to require urgent assistance, as reported by the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD). Cyclone Dikeledi is delivering heavy rainfall of up to 200 mm in a 24-hour period and winds reaching 120 km/h, comparable to Cyclone Chido but expected to have a shorter duration.
At least 491 schools and 62 health facilities are under threat of destruction from the cyclone’s impacts. The National Meteorology Institute (INAM) predicts that coastal districts including Mossuril, Angoche, Mogincual, Liupo, and Angoche in Nampula province will face strong winds and considerable rainfall, with figures projected at 200 mm in a 24-hour timeframe.
The re-intensification of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi presents a significant weather challenge for Mozambique, especially affecting coastal provinces. The cyclone is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall and destructive winds, with particular emphasis on its potential re-strengthening in the Mozambique Channel. The situation is exacerbated by the existing vulnerabilities of the region’s infrastructure, including schools and health facilities, which are ill-equipped to handle such adverse weather conditions.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is causing severe weather conditions across Mozambique, notably impacting the Nampula province. With hundreds of thousands at risk and significant infrastructure threatened, preparing for potential flooding and damage is crucial as the cyclone approaches its intended trajectory near Madagascar. Continued monitoring and preparation efforts will be essential in mitigating the impacts of this weather system.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
