By Twink Jones Gadama
Blantyre, Malawi – The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has issued its final update on Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, confirming that the storm has exited the Mozambique Channel and is now located in the Indian Ocean, south of Madagascar.
According to the latest update, issued on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:00 am, Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is approximately 1641 kilometers from Malawi, posing no threat to the country. The cyclone’s center pressure has decreased to 945hPa, and it is moving southeastward at a speed of 20km/hr.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has been closely monitoring the cyclone’s movement and has provided regular updates to the public. In its final update, the department assured the nation that Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi no longer poses a threat to Malawi.
“Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has exited the Mozambique Channel and is now located in the Indian Ocean, south of Madagascar,” said the department in a statement. “The cyclone is moving southeastward and is no longer a threat to Malawi.”
The department’s update was based on information provided by the La Reunion Regional Climate Centre, which has been tracking the cyclone’s movement. The centre’s forecast track for Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi indicates that the storm will continue to move southeastward, away from Malawi.
The news that Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi no longer poses a threat to Malawi has brought relief to many residents, who had been bracing themselves for the worst. The country has experienced severe flooding in recent years, resulting in loss of life and property.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has urged the public to remain vigilant and to continue monitoring weather updates, despite the fact that Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi is no longer a threat.
“We will continue to monitor the weather situation and provide updates to the public,” said the department. “We urge everyone to remain vigilant and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.”
The department’s final update on Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi has brought an end to a period of uncertainty and anxiety for many Malawians. As the country breathes a sigh of relief, the department’s efforts to keep the public informed and safe have been hailed as a success.
In related news, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has confirmed that it had activated its emergency response systems in preparation for the possible impact of Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi. However, with the cyclone no longer posing a threat, the department has since deactivated its emergency response systems.
The incident has highlighted the importance of preparedness and emergency planning in the face of natural disasters. The government has been praised for its efforts to keep the public informed and safe, and the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has demonstrated its commitment to providing accurate and timely weather updates.
As the country looks to the future, one thing is clear: the importance of being prepared for natural disasters cannot be overstated. The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services will continue to play a critical role in keeping the public informed and safe, and its efforts will be closely followed by all stakeholders.
