Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall in Mozambique on January 13, 2025, causing extensive damage and humanitarian needs in Nampula Province. Approximately 56,729 households, affecting around 234,104 individuals, have been impacted, including a notable number of persons with disabilities. Immediate needs include shelter, non-food items, and water sanitation services.
On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Mozambique, particularly impacting Nampula Province. The cyclone brought severe winds and heavy rainfall, leading to extensive humanitarian needs. The destruction resulted in significant damage to housing, infrastructure, and livelihoods, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities within the community.
Preliminary findings from the Initial Rapid Assessment (IRA), conducted by the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) in partnership with Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD), estimate that around 56,729 households, comprising approximately 234,104 individuals, have been affected. Notably, an estimated 37,456 individuals living with various disabilities are among those impacted by this crisis.
As of January 20, initial data reveal that 31,898 houses have suffered partial damage, while 24,101 houses have been completely destroyed, accounting for a total of 55,999 damaged shelters throughout the province. The districts hardest hit include Ilha de Mozambique, Mossuril, Monapo, Nacala Porto, Angoche, and Mogincual, which collectively make up 88 percent of the affected population.
The immediate needs identified for those affected include Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFIs), as well as Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions. Essential NFIs required include tarpaulins, mosquito nets, and mattresses, alongside food and healthcare services. Joint multi-sectoral needs assessments, led by INGD in collaboration with humanitarian partners, are ongoing to evaluate the shifting needs of the affected communities.
Tropical cyclones pose significant risks to communities, particularly in vulnerable regions like Mozambique. Dikeledi’s landfall has compounded pre-existing challenges in community resilience, disrupting livelihoods and essential infrastructures. The assessment of humanitarian needs following natural disasters is critical in orchestrating effective responses and aid allocation, as noted in recent studies of cyclones impacting developing regions.
The impact of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has been devastating, affecting over 234,000 individuals and resulting in substantial damage to housing and infrastructure in Nampula Province. As the situation evolves, continuous assessments are essential to address the immediate needs for shelter, sanitation, and healthcare effectively. This situation underscores the critical importance of disaster preparedness and community resilience strategies.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
