Maputo, 12 Jan (AIM) – Severe tropical storm Dikekedi is likely to evolve into a cyclone on Sunday, and to enter the Mozambique Channel, according to the projections made by the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC).
The storm passed over the tip of northern Madagascar on Saturday night, and by mid-morning on Sunday, it was located half way between Madagascar and the Comoros, heading west at a speed of 65 knots (about 120 kilometres per hour).
On its predicted course, Dikeledi will approach the coast of the northern Mozambican province of Nampula but will not make landfall in Mozambique.
Instead, it will turn southwards, with its speed rising to 100 knots. By the end of the week, it will be heading almost due south, making its way out of the Mozambique Channel.
A statement issued on Saturday by the National Meteorology Institute (INAM) said the storm does not pose a threat to Mozambique.
INAM said it is “continuing to monitor the evolution of this system, and urges the public to accompany the meteorological information and the warnings issued by the relevant national authorities”.
In mid-December, tropical cyclone Chido hit Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, bringing strong winds and torrential rain, killing at least 73 people. At its current stage, Dikeledi is nowhere near so damaging.
(AIM)
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