Mozambique: Moderate Tropical Storm Freddy makes landfall over the coast of Inhambane Province Feb. 24 /update 12

Event

Moderate Tropical Storm Freddy made landfall over the coast of Mozambique's Inhambane Province south of the town of Vilankulos in the early afternoon Feb. 24. As of 14:00 CAT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 148 km (92 miles) north-northwest of Inhambane.

Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken as it tracks westward across central Inhambane Province through early Feb. 25 before turning to track northwestward and dissipating over north-central Gaza Province Feb. 25. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Feb. 24, Mozambique's National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) is maintaining a red cyclone warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, and Sofala provinces. Daily rainfall totals of over 20 cm (8 inches) are likely in parts of the affected provinces through Feb. 26, along with winds gusting up to 165 kph (103 mph). Daily rainfall totals of over 10 cm (4 inches) are possible in other parts of Inhambane and Sofala provinces. Mozambique's Mozambican Council of Ministers has declared a red alert to allow authorities to respond to the impacts of the storm. Water discharges into the Zambezi River have halted at the Cahora Bassa Dam due to the anticipated rise in river levels due to the heavy rainfall associated with Freddy. Authorities have moved an unspecified number of people into emergency shelters in at-risk areas close to where Freddy was expected to make landfall.

Flooding has been reported in Beria following heavy rainfall since Feb. 22 ahead of the approach of Freddy. Flooding has cut off a section of national highway 6 (EN6) in Sofala's Dondo District. Authorities have suspended operations at Beria port through at least 19:00 Feb. 24. Mozambique Airlines (TM) has rescheduled several domestic flights Feb. 23-24 due to the storm system.

Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and locations with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions; it could also render some bridges and roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Mozambique National Institute of Meteorology (INAM)