Mozambique on High Alert as Storm Filipo Menaces Endangering 500,000
Tropical Storm Filipo made landfall in Mozambique’s Inhambane province at approximately 05:00 local time (03:00 GMT), disrupting electricity and communications in Inhambane and Sofala. The impact is already being felt in Gaza, and as the storm progresses southward, it is expected to unleash its potentially devastating effects on Maputo later today.
As Filipo continues its southwestward trajectory across southern Mozambique, meteorologists anticipate a rapid weakening of its winds, leading to its downgrade to a tropical depression in the coming hours. While the winds are predicted to subside, Filipo will persist in delivering substantial rainfall across southern Mozambique, with some areas experiencing 1cm or more precipitation, posing an ongoing threat of flooding.
The Mozambique National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) estimates that the combination of strong winds and flooding could adversely affect over 525,000 people. This highlights the significant risk to the local population and underscores the urgent need for preparedness and response measures.
In addition to Mozambique, neighboring regions, including Eswatini and the northeastern areas of South Africa, are expected to witness heavy downpours due to Filipo’s influence. These conditions further raise concerns about potential flooding and associated hazards.
The forecast indicates that Filipo will veer away from land and move into the sea by Wednesday, potentially alleviating the immediate threat to coastal regions. However, the storm’s aftermath, including the impact on infrastructure, agriculture, and displaced populations, will necessitate ongoing attention and support from local authorities and international relief efforts.
In summary, Tropical Storm Filipo’s landfall in Mozambique has triggered disruptions and poses significant risks to the affected regions. While the storm is expected to weaken and eventually move away from land, the potential for heavy rainfall and flooding requires continued vigilance and preparedness efforts to mitigate the impact on local communities.
