Mozambique Faces Severe Tropical Cyclone Threat as Anticipatory Actions Activated

A severe tropical cyclone is forecasted to impact Mozambique, specifically Nampula province, on March 9, following its evolution from a low-pressure system in the Indian Ocean. The Central Emergency Response Fund has activated resources for anticipatory actions in response. Previously, the region was hit by cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, affecting 455,000 people, with an ongoing cholera outbreak in Nampula and Zambezia.

The Mozambique Flash Update No. 1, dated March 7, 2025, indicates an impending severe tropical cyclone forecasted to affect the region. Specifically, the Nampula province is predicted to experience impacts beginning March 9, initially as a severe tropical storm before developing into a full tropical cyclone. In response, the Central Emergency Response Fund has activated the Anticipatory Action Framework for Cyclones, providing resources to humanitarian partners for proactive measures in anticipation of the cyclone’s arrival.

The situation overview outlines the development of the new weather system, designated temporarily as System 12-20242025, which emerged in the Indian Ocean. It is expected to move eastward toward Madagascar and later re-enter the Mozambique Channel, evolving into a tropical cyclone. This system aims to cross the northern coast of Mozambique on March 9, impacting Nampula, Zambezia, and Cabo Delgado provinces with significant rainfall and strong winds.

Nampula Province has recently endured destructive impacts from Tropical Cyclone Chido in December 2024 and Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi in January 2025, affecting approximately 455,000 individuals. Concurrently, the region is grappling with a cholera outbreak comprising 915 reported cases and 29 fatalities as of March 7, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

In summary, Mozambique faces a serious threat from an evolving severe tropical cyclone, expected to impact key provinces shortly. The prior cyclonic events have already severely affected the local population, and the ongoing cholera outbreak complicates recovery efforts. Proactive measures are being implemented through anticipatory action initiatives to mitigate the impending disaster’s effects.

Original Source: www.unocha.org