Mozambique Braces for Severe Tropical Cyclone: Forecast and Preparedness Measures
A Severe Tropical Cyclone is forecasted to hit Nampula province on 9 March 2025. The Anticipatory Action Framework has been activated to assist humanitarian partners, following previous cyclones earlier in the season that affected 455,000 people. Additionally, a cholera outbreak is being monitored in the province.
Mozambique is bracing for a new weather system projected to develop into a Severe Tropical Cyclone. This situation predominantly affects Nampula province, with the storm’s intensity anticipated to escalate from a severe tropical storm on 9 March to a full tropical cyclone. In response, the Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework has been activated, ensuring resources from the Central Emergency Response Fund are allocated to humanitarian partners for proactive measures before the impending impact.
The weather system, designated as 12-20242025, has recently emerged in the Indian Ocean, advancing east towards Madagascar. It is predicted to make landfall in Madagascar as a moderate tropical storm on the evening of 7 March. Following its passage, it will re-enter the Mozambique Channel on 8 March, strengthening into a tropical cyclone, and is expected to cross the northern coast of Mozambique on 9 March.
Nampula, Zambezia, and Cabo Delgado are the provinces likely to experience severe weather, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, due to this cyclone. The region has already faced significant adversity during the 2024/2025 cyclonic season, with previous impacts from Tropical Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi in December 2024 and January 2025, respectively, affecting 455,000 individuals.
Additionally, there is a cholera outbreak in Nampula and Zambezia, with reports indicating 915 cases and 29 fatalities recorded as of 7 March. Efforts are being intensified to manage both the impending cyclone and the cholera outbreak to safeguard affected communities.
In summary, Mozambique is preparing for a Severe Tropical Cyclone, particularly impacting Nampula province. The weather system is expected to strengthen as it approaches the coast on 9 March. Resources have been allocated for anticipatory actions to mitigate the impact of the cyclone, which follows a difficult rainy season marked by previous cyclones and an ongoing cholera outbreak in the region.
Original Source: www.unocha.org
