Zambia tracks tropical storm, Dikeledi, promises proactive action to keep public informed

The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has announced that it is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Dikeledi, currently located over the southwestern Indian Ocean.

In a statement released on Thursday, ZMD described Dikeledi as a moderate tropical storm with pressure levels of 1002 hectopascals, sustaining winds of 55 kilometers per hour and moving at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour.

“It is, however, projected to intensify into a tropical cyclone as it traverses the Indian Ocean waters westwards towards Northern Madagascar, before making landfall by Saturday, January 11, 2025,” the department stated.

While the storm’s direct impact on Zambia is not yet evident due to its distance, ZMD assured the public that it would provide daily updates as the system progresses.

This marks the second significant storm of the rainy season following Cyclone Chido, which caused widespread devastation in Mozambique.

The storm destroyed over 35,000 homes and affected more than 90,000 children across Cabo Delgado Province.

In addition to homes, Cyclone Chido damaged at least 186 classrooms and impacted 20 health facilities in Mozambique.

“Mozambique is considered one of the most affected countries in the world by climate change, and children were already experiencing several life-threatening emergencies before Cyclone Chido, including conflict, drought, and disease outbreaks,” said Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique.

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