Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is intensely affecting the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia, bringing torrential rain and strong winds that are already causing significant damage in several regions, according to Rádio Moçambique (RM).
According to the National Meteorological Institute (INAM), the system hit the district of Mossuril in Nampula on Monday afternoon (13), with maximum winds of 140 km/h and gusts of up to 195 km/h, travelling at a speed of 13 km/h.
The impact of the cyclone is already being felt severely in the coastal districts of Nampula, namely Nacala-Porto, Mossuril and Ilha de Moçambique, where the destruction of houses, the collapse of electricity pylons and the flooding of fields have forced the paralysis of activities in public and private institutions.
In Angoche, the local authorities have reinforced preventive measures, including a ban on boats going out to sea, while evacuation operations continue for families living in risk areas.
‘INAM is forecasting an intensification of rainfall in the coming hours, warning of the risk of flooding and recommending that the population stay in safe places and follow the authorities’ instructions’
The situation has worsened, with accumulated rainfall of 200 mm in 24 hours in the districts of Mossuril, Mongicual, Liúpo and Angoche, and rainfall of between 150 mm in Larde, Moma, Mogovolas, Meconta, Monapo, Muecate and the city of Nampula. The bad weather has already affected infrastructure, making access to some localities difficult and leaving several families homeless.
In Zambezia province, Dikeledi is also causing heavy rainfall, with 35 mm in 24 hours in the districts of Pebane, Gilé, Mocuba, Mocubela, Maganja da Costa, Mulevala, Nicoadala, Maquival, Namacura and the city of Quelimane. The local authorities are monitoring the evolution of the phenomenon and are preparing measures to minimise the impact on the communities.
Given the severity of the cyclone, emergency teams and natural disaster management committees have stepped up assistance operations, mobilising resources to respond to the needs of the affected populations.
INAM predicts intensified rainfall in the coming hours, warning of the risk of flooding and recommending that the population stay in safe places and follow the authorities’ instructions.
