Mozambique is on high alert as Tropical Cyclone Idai barrels towards the country’s central coast, potentially putting thousands of lives in danger.
The Red Cross Societies is on high alert and encouraged locals to keep a close eye on weather forecasts and to respond immediately to any warning messages from authorities.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall by the end of the week.
According to meteorologists, Idai’s intensity was equal to that of a Category 3 Atlantic hurricane. However, at its peak intensity, it could reach the equivalent of a Category 4 or even a 5 hurricane.
Depending on its intensity and trajectory, Cyclone Idai could also exacerbate the situation in southern Malawi where more than 115,000 people have been affected by severe flooding.
In February 2007, Cyclone Favio damaged or destroyed 130,000 homes and displaced tens of thousands of people. In 2000, Cyclone Eline hit an already flood-affected central Mozambique, leaving about 463,000 people homeless.
- African News Agency (ANA)
