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The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) issued an update on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, concerning Cyclone Dikeledi, which is currently positioned along Mozambique’s coastline in the Indian Ocean.
The cyclone is expected to return to the Mozambique Channel later today.
While the cyclone does not currently pose a direct threat to Tanzania, its proximity to the southern regions raises concerns. TMA has warned that Lindi and Mtwara might experience periods of heavy rainfall beginning January 14. Additionally, strong winds and high ocean waves are anticipated along Tanzania’s entire coastline, with peak activity expected on January 14 and 15.
The agency noted that warnings about strong winds and high waves were issued on January 11. It also indicated that calmer weather conditions could resume from January 16. The public, especially marine users, has been urged to stay updated on weather developments and seek advice from meteorological and disaster management experts.
Reports from Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region already confirm the presence of strong winds, adding to the urgency for preparedness.
Cyclone Dikeledi has already caused devastation in other regions. In Madagascar, the cyclone claimed three lives and displaced over 5,000 people. Infrastructure damage was extensive, with nearly 1,300 houses flooded, 370 damaged, and 11 completely destroyed, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Madagascar’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC).
Meanwhile, France’s Mayotte islands, still recovering from an earlier cyclone, faced heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding as Dikeledi passed through. Landslides in vulnerable areas worsened the situation, prompting authorities to issue a red alert and mobilize emergency response teams.
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Mozambique is now bracing for the cyclone’s impact, with forecasts predicting heavy rains and strong winds. Weather experts suggest that the storm may gain strength as it moves southward through the Mozambique Channel.
Cyclones are known for their unpredictable paths, and authorities are urging residents in affected and nearby areas to stay alert. Regular updates from meteorological offices and emergency services remain crucial as the situation develops.
TMA emphasized the importance of vigilance, particularly for those in southern coastal regions, as the cyclone’s effects could shift unexpectedly.
