Mozambique: Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi - Flash Update # 2 (as of 17 January 2025) [EN/PT]

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• There are 524,394 people affected by cyclones in Mozambique, including 70,423 people (15,123 households) affected by Dikeledi, with six deaths according to preliminary data from INGD.
• Four accommodation centers are active and are accommodating 1,210 people.
• Dikeledi has destroyed or damaged 15,000 houses; 1 bridge and 43 health facilities.
• The impact of the cyclone caused road blockages, damaged power lines and communications networks, limiting also information about some areas (Mongicual and Angoche districts).
• Dikeledi is the second cyclone to hit Mozambique in a month, stocks are drawn out and humanitarian partners are forced to prioritize among multiple responses.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Cyclone Dikeledi made landfall south of Ilha de Moçambique as a tropical cyclone on the afternoon of January 13 and re-entered the Mozambique Channel via Angoche the following day. It brought severe weather, with Mossuril recording the highest rainfall at 247mm on 14 January, followed by Muecate (240.1mm) and Nampula (210.4mm). Winds reached speeds of 150 km/h, with gusts up to 180 km/h.

According to the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD), the cyclone has affected 70,423 people (15,123 households) with six deaths and four injuries reported so far. Preliminary assessments indicate that Angoche was the hardest-hit district, accounting for three of the five deaths. Four evacuation centers are active and are sheltering 1,210 people.

Dikeledi had a devastating impact on the districts it passed through, damaging or destroying some 15,000 houses, 43 health facilities, and one bridge. The cyclone also impacted 105 schools and 291 classrooms, affecting 250 teachers and18,241 students. Road blockages, downed power lines, and damaged communication networks have hampered access to information, particularly in Mongicual and Angoche districts. Approximately 113,000 customers of Electricity of Mozambique were without power. However, efforts to restore electricity have begun, with power already restored in parts of Nacala on the day of the cyclone.