Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Impact in Nampula, Mozambique: A Flash Update

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Nampula, Mozambique on January 13, 2025, impacting over 70,000 individuals. The cyclone caused significant damage, including the destruction of homes and vital infrastructure. Authorities are responding with immediate needs assessments and provision of shelter, non-food items, water, and sanitation support.

On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Nampula province in Mozambique, making landfall with significant intensity. The cyclone affected various regions, including Ilha de Moçambique, Monapo, Mogincual, and Angoche, bringing sustained winds up to 150 km/h and gusts reaching 180 km/h. Accompanying these winds were torrential rains exceeding 200 mm within 24 hours and severe thunderstorms, impacting multiple districts beyond the cyclone’s direct path.

Preliminary assessments as of January 16 indicate that approximately 70,423 individuals, or 15,123 households, have been affected by the cyclone. Among them, roughly 11,267 individuals have reported diverse disabilities, including physical and cognitive impairments. The cyclone resulted in the partial destruction of 9,257 homes and total destruction of 5,867 houses, which has displaced 2,316 individuals.

Currently, there are 10 temporary facilities providing shelter for those affected, notably in Mossuril, Mogincual, and Monapo districts. Critical infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities and schools, has suffered damage, with key routes becoming impassable, further isolating the affected communities. Many areas still lack electricity and communication as of January 16.

Immediate needs reported by authorities include emergency shelter, non-food items (NFI), water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and food security. The priority NFI needs consist of tarpaulins, lighting, buckets, and blankets. Joint assessments are ongoing and are being led by the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) in collaboration with humanitarian organizations to gather further data.

Tropical Cyclones are severe weather events with the potential to cause extensive damage to infrastructure and significant displacement of populations. In Mozambique, which is prone to cyclones, effective disaster management and rapid assessment are critical to address the immediate needs of affected communities. The Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD) play vital roles in assessing the impact and coordinating a response, especially concerning the vulnerable populations impacted by such disasters.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has severely impacted the Nampula province of Mozambique, affecting over 70,000 individuals and displacing thousands. The destruction of homes and damage to critical infrastructure underscores the urgency for emergency response efforts. Immediate needs have been identified, and ongoing assessments will help shape the humanitarian response to support the affected populations adequately.

Original Source: reliefweb.int