Parts of Mozambique have been severely affected by strong winds and rainfall since 15 February 2017 as a result of Tropical Cyclone Dineo, leaving at least 9 people dead and thousands affected, mostly in Inhambane province.
Dineo has since weakened to a depression and is heading westwards. Heavy rain has affected parts of Zimbabwe, Swaziland and South Africa over the last 24 hours (see rainfall figures below).
In Mozambique the provincial government of Inhambane estimates that about 653,000 people have been affected overall. Impacts reported so far are mostly as a result of wind damage, including downed power lines, trees, destruction of crops and houses. Wide areas have been left without electricity.
The UN Resident Coordinator for Mozambique reports that Massinga, Jangamo, Morrumbene, Zavala, Inharrime and Homoíne are the worst affected districts in Inhambane. Some of these districts affected recorded between 200-250 mm over the last 24 hours.
A total of 9 deaths have been confirmed: 1 in Massinga, 2 in Inhambane city, 2 in Jangamo and 4 in Morrumbene.
The situation in Gaza province is much calmer although schools have been suspended as a safety precaution and to allow schools to be used as shelters for those displaced.
Based on the impact and preliminary needs, the Mozambique government has requested food assistance, household kits and water purification supplies as well as tarpaulin for affected households and large tents for schools and hospitals. There is also a need for assistance with seeds for the second agricultural season.
44 Killed in Floods Since January
The recent destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Dineo follows several weeks of severe weather in Mozambique.
According to a report (pdf) by ACAPS, since the beginning of January 2017, heavy seasonal rains have been affecting central and southern provinces in Mozambique. 44 people have died and 79,000 have been affected.
Tropical Cyclone Dineo Rainfall
According to Mozambique’s National Institute for Meteorology (INAM) Gaza and Inhambane provinces will continue to be affected by heavy rain of more than 100 mm in 24 hours, as well as strong winds of 90 km/h or more over the next 24 hours at least.
The effects of ex Tropical Cyclone Dineo will also affect Maputo province with moderate to heavy rains.
According to WMO figures, 110 mm of rain fell in 24 hours Vilanculos, Inhambane province between 15 and 16 February, 2017.
For a 24 hour period between 16 and 17 February:
- Changalane, Maputo Province, Mozambique – 53 mm
- Massangena, Gaza Province, Mozambique – 106 mm
- Buffalo Range, Zimbabwe – 106 mm
- West Nicholson, Zimbabwe – 56 mm
- Manzini/Matsapa Airport, Swaziland – 72 mm
- Piggs Peak, Swaziland – 124 mm
- Graskop, South Africa – 166 mm
