Tropical Cyclone DIKELEDI struck Nampula province on January 13, 2025, causing severe damage and displacing approximately 2,316 individuals. Preliminary assessments estimate 70,423 individuals affected, with significant infrastructure impacts. Urgent needs include emergency shelter, non-food items, and water and sanitation facilities, as ongoing assessments are being conducted in the region.
On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone DIKELEDI made landfall in Nampula province, causing significant damage as it traversed multiple districts. The cyclone affected areas including Ilha de Moçambique, Monapo, and Angoche, bringing sustained winds up to 150 km/h and gusts reaching 180 km/h, along with torrential rainfall exceeding 200 mm within 24 hours.
Preliminary assessments from the Initial Rapid Assessment conducted by the Displacement Tracking Matrix, in collaboration with Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Management, report that approximately 70,423 individuals across 15,123 households have been impacted. Of this population, about 11,267 individuals possess varying degrees of disabilities. The cyclone resulted in the partial destruction of 9,257 houses and the complete destruction of 5,867 houses, leading to the displacement of 2,316 individuals.
Currently, 10 temporary shelters accommodating affected individuals have been established in Mossuril, Mogincual, and Monapo districts. Critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and places of worship, has incurred damage, while essential access routes have become impassable, isolating communities.
As of January 16, many regions remain without electricity and communication networks. Reportedly, urgent needs include emergency shelter, non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene, and food security. Key items required include tarpaulins, blankets, and buckets, with joint multi-sectoral assessments actively being conducted by the INGD and humanitarian partners.
Tropical cyclones are intense storm systems that can deliver destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and surging waves, causing widespread devastation. Mozambique, situated along the Indian Ocean, frequently experiences cycles of severe weather, particularly in the cyclone season. The country has established disaster management frameworks to assess impacts and coordinate responses for affected populations, particularly in the face of climate change which exacerbates the frequency and intensity of such events. The recent Cyclone DIKELEDI highlights ongoing vulnerabilities and the need for effective emergency response systems.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone DIKELEDI has inflicted widespread damage in Nampula province, affecting tens of thousands of individuals and displacing many more. The immediate needs for shelter, non-food items, and sanitation facilities are pressing, as infrastructure damage hampers recovery efforts. Continued detailed assessments are essential to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, ensuring that adequate support is coordinated for affected populations throughout the recovery process.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
