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Mozambique

Mozambique: Severe Tropical Storm Freddy - Flash Update No. 10 (as of 15 March 2023)

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • The confluence of multiple crises is compounding a severe humanitarian situation in Mozambique.

  • Freddy made its second landfall in Mozambique as severe tropical cyclone in the evening of 11 March, through the locality of Macuze, district of Namacurra, Zambezia province, with maximum winds of 148 km/h and gusts up to 213 km/h.

  • Rainfall brought by Freddy reached more than 600mm in some places. This precipitation is four times greater than the average monthly precipitation during the rainy season.

  • Preliminary data indicate that Freddy’s second landfall affected some 253,466 people across Zambezia, Sofala, Tete, Manica and Niassa. This in addition to the 239,000 people affected by floods and Freddy’s first landfall.

  • The cholera outbreak continues to spread. As of 15 March, the cumulative number of cholera cases stood at 8,877 cases and 54 deaths across 33 districts.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) reports that tropical cyclone Freddy made its second landfall in Mozambique on 11 March, between 18:00 and 20:00 local time, through the locality of Macuze, district of Namacurra, Zambézia province, with maximum winds of 148 km/h and gusts up to 213 km/h.

Rainfall brought by Freddy reached more than 600mm in some places, particularly in the Districts of Marromeu (672mm), Mocuba (581mm), Milange (529mm) and Morrumbala (491mm). This precipitation is four times greater than the average monthly precipitation during the rainy season.

As of 15 March, Freddy has weakened to a low pressure system. However, rainfalls above 100 mm/24hrs are expected to continue over Nampula and Zambezia provinces that in the period between 12 and 15 March received heavy rainfall above 200 mm/24hrs.
Heavy rains and flooding are a concern as the cholera outbreak continues to spread. As of 15 March, the cumulative number of cholera cases stood at 8,877 cases and 54 deaths across 33 districts. Vanduzi district in Manica province is the latest having been affected by cholera. This is an increase of 901 cases since a week ago.

According to latest data from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management (INGD), Cyclone Freddy affected a total of 253,466 people across Zambezia (211,784 affected and 53 deaths reported), Sofala (33,435) Tete (6,834) Manica (1,182) and Niassa (231) provinces. In terms of damage, some 48,134 houses were partially or totally destroyed while some 191,562 hectares were damaged and an additional 38,000 hectares have been lost. Some 52 health units and 1,561classrooms were also damaged. As of 15 March, some 49,159 people have been displaced and 139 accommodations centers have been established.

The figures of people affected are likely to increase further as rains and floods continue and more assessments are undertaken. Authorities report that an increase in the volume of water discharges is expected in the hydrographic basins of

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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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