Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Madagascar on January 11, 2025, causing three deaths and significant property damage before impacting Mozambique on January 13. The cyclone had winds up to 160 km/h, leading to flooding and widespread disruption in Nampula and Zambezia provinces. Emergency protocols were enacted, including Red cyclone warnings and flight cancellations at local airports.
On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made its presence felt along the coast of Mozambique after causing significant devastation in Madagascar, where it resulted in at least three fatalities and extensive property damage. The cyclone first hit Madagascar’s Antsiranana province on January 11, with wind speeds reaching 155 km/h (96 mph). Reports post-impact indicated that 11 homes were destroyed, and approximately 370 suffered damage, affecting over 5,210 individuals in total. Additionally, more than 69 schools sustained damage or destruction. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) highlighted the cyclone’s impact on critical infrastructure, with rainfall bands leading to localized flooding in the Mahajanga and Toliara provinces.
After traversing northern Madagascar, Dikeledi continued moving southeast of Mayotte, which was still recovering from Cyclone Chido—the most destructive storm in 90 years for that region. As the storm escalated, around 14,500 residents evacuated to 79 emergency shelters in Mayotte. Due to the dangers posed by the cyclone, Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport (DZA) canceled flights on January 13, with operations anticipated to resume gradually on January 14. Moreover, schools in affected regions were postponed from reopening until at least January 20.
Subsequently, Dikeledi approached Mozambique, brushing past the coast near Nacala in Nampula Province with winds of up to 160 km/h (98 mph). Rainfall stemming from the cyclone instigated severe disruptions across Nampula and Zambezia provinces, producing widespread flooding. The Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) issued the highest level of cyclone alerts, namely Red warnings, for Nampula and parts of Zambezia. Forecasts predicted heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm (8 inches) over a 24-hour period along with thunderstorms and high winds in several districts, including Mussoril, Mogincual, Liupo, and Angoche.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has posed grave threats to the regions of Madagascar and Mozambique in January 2025. The cyclone first impacted Madagascar, where it left behind casualties, infrastructural damage, and affected thousands of residents. Following its landfall, it proceeded to brush along the Mozambican coastline, maintaining its intensity and further threatening communities through heavy rains and strong winds. Such extreme weather events provide a stark reminder of the climate-related challenges faced by these areas, especially considering their vulnerability to natural disasters.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has wreaked havoc in both Madagascar and Mozambique, leading to loss of life, widespread property destruction, and significant logistical disruptions. As local authorities and humanitarian organizations mobilize support for affected communities, it is imperative to acknowledge the growing frequency of severe weather events linked to climate change and enhance disaster preparedness measures in these vulnerable regions. Support and resources will be vital in addressing both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.
Original Source: watchers.news
