Mozambique: Humanitarian Response to Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi (2025)

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi struck Mozambique on January 13, 2025, causing significant damage and displacing over 283,000 individuals. Key needs identified include shelter, food, and healthcare, with ongoing assessments and assistance mobilization underway. Immediate action is essential to address the humanitarian crisis as the rainy season continues.

On January 13, 2025, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi impacted Mozambique, making landfall in the Nampula province. The cyclone generated severe weather, with Mossuril recording 247 mm of rainfall and peak wind gusts reaching 180 km/h. Approximately 283,334 individuals were affected, resulting in damage to 80,865 houses, including 36,853 that were completely destroyed. Furthermore, the cyclone affected 48 health facilities, 221 schools, and over 4,000 hectares of agricultural land.

The Multisector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA), conducted by INGD and OCHA from January 25-29, highlighted critical unmet needs including shelter, non-food items (NFIs), emergency food, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and health services. Of the 234,000 individuals targeted for assistance, only 33,000 have received livelihoods support thus far. The Shelter/NFI cluster has achieved 18% of its target, while the WASH sector has met 14% of its goals.

As the rainy and cyclone seasons extend until April, the urgency for food, seeds, construction materials, nutrition, and protection is increasing. Partners in food security and livelihoods (FSL) are mobilizing resources and logistics to initiate assistance swiftly. The continuation of these efforts is paramount to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the affected regions.

Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has severely impacted Mozambique, displacing thousands and damaging essential infrastructure. Immediate priorities include addressing the urgent needs for shelter, food, and health services. The coordination of humanitarian efforts through organizations like INGD and OCHA will be vital in delivering support to affected populations as the country navigates the aftermath of the disaster.

Original Source: reliefweb.int