Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi: Situation Update and Humanitarian Response
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is projected to impact northern Madagascar on January 11, with heavy rains expected until January 13. Approximately 45,000 individuals are forecasted to be affected, prompting humanitarian agencies to enhance preparatory actions. The projected landfall raises concerns over flooding, especially in light of previous cyclone damage in the region and ongoing challenges in aid distribution.
Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is anticipated to make landfall in the Vohémar and Antsiranana districts of northern Madagascar on January 11, bringing significant rainfall and wind hazards. Early reports indicate that heavy rain has commenced in northern regions, with forecasts predicting continued rainfall until January 13. The cyclone is predicted to directly affect approximately 45,000 individuals, as estimated by the National Risk Atlas and the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC). Humanitarian aid organizations are taking proactive measures to enhance preparedness, which includes dispatching emergency supplies and additional resources. Meanwhile, awareness campaigns are being launched in Mozambique in anticipation of the cyclone’s potential movement.
As of January 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. local time, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi was reported to be 152 km east of Vohemar, with sustained winds of 120 km/h and moving west-northwest at 21 km/h. Rainfall forecasts predict that areas in northern Madagascar, particularly Antsiranana, may experience accumulations of up to 170 mm on the day of landfall. However, comparative analysis suggests that the anticipated rainfall from Dikeledi is considerably lower than that experienced during Tropical Cyclone Gamane in April 2024. The BNGRC forecasts indicate that the cyclone will directly impact various regions, with notable figures for affected individuals across differing districts including Analanjirofo, Betsiboka, Boeny, Diana, and Melaky among others.
Cyclone alerts have been issued, with Sava and Diana districts under red alert, while the Bealanana and Antsohihy districts are on yellow alert. Preparations are underway in anticipation of Dikeledi’s passage, with expectations of it entering the Mozambican channel by January 12. Accompanying heavy rainfall may lead to flash floods and strong winds across the Comoros and Mozambique, as per advisories from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre.
Emergency response measures are currently ongoing, involving the dissemination of early warning information to susceptible communities. Emergency stocks mobilized during the earlier Cyclone Chido have been repurposed for response efforts, and cash assistance has reached 9,000 households. Additionally, food assistance in the form of 350 tons of supplies is being transported to those in need. The National Emergency Operations Coordination Center has been activated, coordinating anticipatory actions for effective awareness messaging and stock preparations. Education emergency protocols are also in place, allowing for quick mobilization of educational resources such as temporary schooling options throughout the regions.
Health agencies are preparing to deliver medical supplies and reproductive health kits in at-risk areas, while WASH partners have initiated the distribution of hygiene kits in susceptible communities, despite facing supply shortages. Furthermore, ongoing protective measures are being implemented to disseminate crucial information on safety practices. However, many individuals are opting to seek shelter with family members instead. Importantly, food security initiatives have provided rice and bean seeds in Vohémar to support agricultural recovery efforts.
As tropical cyclone activity poses a recurrent threat to Madagascar, the incoming Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi presents not only a potential natural disaster but also prompts complex humanitarian responses. The National Risk Atlas and BNGRC function as primary agencies in assessing cyclone impacts and facilitating rapid response efforts. Economic and infrastructural challenges—exacerbated by previous cyclones—complicate the delivery of aid and the restoration of affected communities. Coupled with the forecasts of heavy rainfall and ensuing flooding, the readiness and coordination among humanitarian partners are critically essential to mitigate adverse outcomes for the local population.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is set to impact northern Madagascar significantly, with expectations of damaging winds and substantial rainfall leading to potential flooding. Early warnings and preparedness actions are ongoing to mitigate the cyclone’s effects on approximately 45,000 people. Humanitarian responses are mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts to ensure the well-being of affected individuals while addressing water, sanitation, and food security needs. The situation requires vigilant monitoring as the cyclone approaches and may also influence neighboring regions such as Mozambique.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
