Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi significantly impacted northern Madagascar on January 11, 2025, affecting over 5,000 people with three fatalities and widespread damage. The cyclone caused substantial infrastructure destruction, including flooding homes and schools. As it moved into Mozambique, it continued to pose serious weather threats, with forecasts indicating further complications in neighboring provinces.
On January 11, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi passed through northern Madagascar, resulting in significant heavy rainfall and devastating winds. The cyclone impacted more than 5,000 individuals, leading to three fatalities and displacing 352 people across six temporary sites. Additionally, over 60 schools were damaged, leaving approximately 750 children without educational facilities.
The National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) reported nearly 1,300 homes inundated, with varying degrees of destruction, including 370 damaged houses and 11 completely destroyed. Furthermore, at least 20 classrooms were destroyed and another 49 partially affected, contributing to a broader impact projected to affect over 22,500 children, as highlighted by Save the Children. Health infrastructure also bore the brunt of the cyclone, with five health centers sustaining damage.
The cyclone’s effects extended into Nampula Province, Mozambique, on January 13, where it continued as a tropical cyclone, bringing further severe weather conditions including heavy rainfall and destructive winds surpassing 150 kilometers per hour. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD) indicated that torrential rains exceeding 200 mm within a 24-hour period were anticipated, alongside severe thunderstorms and substantial risks of marine submersion.
As the system moved southward, it was expected to curve back towards the Mozambique Channel on January 13 or 14 near Angoche, potentially regaining strength to reach cyclone intensity. Forecasts by Meteo France suggested that the cyclone would accelerate towards the south-southeast, approaching the western coast of Madagascar’s Toliara province. Furthermore, areas within the Sofala and Manica provinces are predicted to experience continued severe weather conditions on January 15 and 16, potentially affecting two districts in adjacent Zambézia Province.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has wreaked havoc in northern Madagascar and parts of Mozambique, causing loss of life, widespread displacement, and extensive infrastructure damage. The ongoing response efforts aim to support the thousands affected by this severe weather event as the cyclone continues its path, posing further threats to additional regions.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
