Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Nampula, Mozambique, on January 13, 2025, leading to serious humanitarian concerns affecting over 234,000 individuals. Preliminary assessments show extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, with immediate needs identified as shelter, NFIs, water, sanitation, and healthcare services. Eighty-eight percent of the impacted population is concentrated in six districts.
On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Mozambique, leading to extensive humanitarian challenges in Nampula Province. The cyclone, characterized by powerful winds and intense rainfall, caused considerable destruction to homes, livelihoods, and vital infrastructure, worsening existing vulnerabilities and significantly affecting community resilience.
Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA) findings, executed by the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) alongside Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD), reveal that approximately 56,729 households, impacting 234,104 individuals, have been affected. Among them, about 37,456 individuals experience various disabilities, including physical and cognitive impairments. Preliminary data as of January 20 indicates 31,898 houses have sustained partial damage, while 24,101 houses have been entirely destroyed, totaling 55,999 damaged shelters in the province.
The districts most heavily impacted include Ilha de Mozambique (50,349 individuals), Mossuril (44,390), Monapo (44,287), Nacala Porto (25,394), Angoche (23,991), and Mogincual (16,500), accounting for 88 percent of the overall affected population. These statistics are subject to updates as data collection efforts proceed to assess the full extent of the cyclone’s impact across the province.
Immediate priorities for relief include shelter and non-food items (NFIs), water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, as well as food and health care services. Essential NFIs identified comprise tarpaulins, mosquito nets, and mattresses. Ongoing joint multi-sectoral needs assessments led by INGD in conjunction with humanitarian partners will continue to evaluate the evolving requirements and living situations of the affected populations.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi inflicted significant devastation upon Nampula Province, Mozambique, on January 13, 2025. Natural disasters such as this cyclone often lead to an urgent humanitarian response, particularly when accompanied by severe weather conditions that impact housing and infrastructure. The cyclone has exacerbated vulnerabilities within the community, necessitating swift assessments and coordinated relief efforts to address the critical needs of the affected individuals, especially those with disabilities.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has caused significant humanitarian distress in Nampula Province, Mozambique, affecting over 234,000 individuals and severely damaging housing and infrastructure. Immediate needs concentrate on providing shelter, water, and healthcare services. Continuous assessments are essential for accurately determining the needs of the affected populations and facilitating effective responses from humanitarian agencies.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
