Madagascar: Update on Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi Impact as of 13 January 2025

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted northern Madagascar on 11 January 2025, affecting over 5,000 people, resulting in three fatalities and displacing 352 individuals. Severe damages include flooding of houses and destruction of schools leaving 750 children without education. As of 13 January, the cyclone intensified and is expected to affect southern locales in Mozambique as well.

On 11 January 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted the northern region of Madagascar, resulting in heavy rainfall and strong winds. The cyclone has severely affected over 5,000 individuals, leading to three fatalities and the displacement of 352 people in temporary shelters. Additionally, 750 children have been deprived of education due to damages inflicted on over 60 schools. Humanitarian agencies are actively assisting those in distress throughout the affected areas.

The cyclone directly impacted 5,216 people, as reported by the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC). Consequences include nearly 1,300 houses inundated, 370 sustaining damage, and 11 completely destroyed. Education infrastructure was also severely affected, with at least 20 classrooms destroyed, leaving many children without schooling. Furthermore, five health facilities experienced damage, complicating the humanitarian response amidst the flooding of roads in Ambilobe District.

On 13 January, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi intensified before making landfall in Nampula Province, south of Ihla de Mozambique. Provinces such as Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Zambezia are experiencing greatly deteriorated weather, with reports of torrential rains and strong winds. According to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD), winds reached approximately 150 km/h, with heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm expected in a 24-hour period.

The cyclone is projected to transition over Nampula on 13 January and continue along a path toward the south, re-entering the Mozambique Channel by 13 or 14 January. The system may strengthen into an intense cyclone between 14 and 15 January. It is anticipated to advance toward the western coast of the Malagasy province of Toliara, with impacts expected across coastal communities along its route.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has significantly impacted northern Madagascar, leading to casualties, mass displacements, and extensive property damage. The situation remains critical as humanitarian efforts are ongoing to support those affected. The cyclone’s trajectory indicates further impacts in southern regions of both Madagascar and Mozambique, necessitating vigilant monitoring and preparedness.

Original Source: www.unocha.org