Location: Mozambique
Event: Officials report Tropical Cyclone Freddy is moving away from Madagascar and expected to make a second landfall in Mozambique tonight (March 10).
The cyclone is expected to gradually intensify before making a landfall over Mozambique’s Zambézia Province with wind speeds of approximately 65 mph 118-165 km/hour. It is projected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and a large storm surge. Forecasts predict rainfall in the amounts of 100 to 150 mm, and even twice as much near the core. Heavy seasonal rains have already saturated soil throughout Mozambique, and additional severe storm-induced rainfall is expected to contribute to rising water levels in affected areas.
According to Meteo France, Cyclone Freddy will downgrade to a tropical depression after making landfall and proceed up the Zambezi river basin, prompting heightened risk for severe flooding throughout the basin, including possible upstream impacts in Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. UN forecasters report a chance the cyclone could linger along the Mozambique coast and eventually depart Mozambique toward Comoros.
The Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS) indicates many of the basins in Mozambique continue to be at above alert levels, but concerns remain focused on the high levels and flow of the Limpopo, Inharrime, and Govuro rivers.
Actions to Take:
· Consider the possibility of being at home with no electricity or water. Ensure you have sufficient provisions and medications on hand.
· Monitor the local news for updates.
· Seek secure shelter.
· Follow directions from local officials and take other appropriate actions as needed.
· Visit the Tropical Storm Risk, National Meteorological Institute, Joint Typhoon Warning Center, National Hurricane Center, National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, Meteo France for updated storm tracking information.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Maputo
(+258) 84-095-8000
mz.usembassy.gov
ConsularMaputo@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
