Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Madagascar on January 11, 2025, causing at least three fatalities and widespread damage. The cyclone then impacted Mozambique, brushing the coast near Nacala with powerful winds. The storm’s aftermath has led to significant flooding, evacuations, and disruptions to transportation and education, prompting the issuance of Red cyclone warnings in region.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall on January 11, 2025, in Antsiranana province, Madagascar, unleashing winds reaching 155 km/h (96 mph). The cyclone resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, with widespread destruction – 11 homes completely obliterated and 370 others suffering significant damage. Additionally, 69 schools were either damaged or destroyed, impacting over 5,210 residents. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) reported extensive damage to critical infrastructure, leading to localized flooding in various regions, including Mahajanga and Toliara.
Following its passage over Madagascar, Cyclone Dikeledi continued toward Mozambique, brushing the coast near Nacala in Nampula Province on January 13, with gusts escalating to 160 km/h (98 mph). The cyclone severely disrupted daily life, instigating heavy rainfall across Nampula and Zambezia provinces, leading to severe flooding in many areas. Consequently, the Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) issued Red cyclone warnings, marking the highest alert level for the region.
In response to the storm’s impact, approximately 14,500 residents were evacuated to emergency shelters across Mayotte as a precaution as heavy rainfall continued in the wake of Dikeledi. Flights at Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport were canceled with plans for gradual resumption. Schools in the affected regions are postponed until at least January 20, 2025, to ensure safety and recovery amid the ongoing cyclone alerts. The Mozambique weather authorities forecasted significant rainfall exceeding 200 mm (8 inches), with thunderstorms and high winds anticipated in districts within Nampula.
The occurrence of tropical cyclones in the southern Indian Ocean is a significant concern for nations like Madagascar and Mozambique, which frequently experience severe weather patterns. Cyclone Dikeledi illustrates the devastating impact such weather events can have, including fatalities, infrastructural damage, and displacement of residents. With the heightened risks posed by climate change and variabilities in ocean temperatures, these cyclones are expected to intensify, necessitating ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts in the regions affected. Recent cyclones, like Chido in Mayotte, further highlight the susceptibility of these areas to violent storms, drawing attention to international humanitarian responses and the infrastructure needed for effective climate resilience and disaster risk management.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has inflicted considerable damage on Madagascar and Mozambique, resulting in loss of life and widespread destruction. The ongoing threats from severe weather necessitate swift governmental responses and comprehensive humanitarian efforts to ensure safety and recovery. As regional authorities issue cyclone warnings and attempt to manage evacuations and aid distribution, the need for increased awareness and preparedness against future cyclones is evident, stressing the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change challenges and mitigating risks in vulnerable areas.
Original Source: watchers.news
