On 17 February 2023, weather forecasters and disaster management authorities issued warnings of a severe tropical cyclone named FREDDY that is expected to make landfall in Madagascar and Mozambique. According to the latest forecasts, FREDDY is likely to pass just north of La Rèunion on 20 February and make landfall in Madagascar on 21 February, followed by Mozambique on the evening of 23 February.

FREDDY is described as a particularly powerful and compact tropical system, which poses a significant flood risk for Madagascar and Mozambique. Currently, Madagascar is still recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Cheneso, which stalled off the west coast of the island in late January, bringing torrential rains and flooding that affected over 90,000 people. As a result, central parts of the island are already saturated, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides from the impact of FREDDY. Approximately 34,000 people in Madagascar are still homeless due to the impact of Cyclone Cheneso.

Similarly, Mozambique has experienced extreme weather events since the beginning of the rainy season, with over 89,090 people affected by floods and other severe weather events. More than 15,000 people are currently displaced due to floods in Southern Mozambique alone. Authorities have issued warnings of expected heavy rains in the coming days, while water stations downstream of the Zambezi River are all above warning levels.

The impact of Tropical Cyclone FREDDY is expected to worsen the situation in both Madagascar and Mozambique, with the risk of further flooding and landslides. Therefore, authorities have urged the public to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of damage to infrastructure, property, and loss of life. Emergency response teams are on high alert, and contingency plans are in place to provide aid and support to affected communities.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone FREDDY poses a significant threat to Madagascar and Mozambique, exacerbating the ongoing flood risk that these countries are facing. It is essential that the public remains vigilant and takes all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage. Emergency response teams and aid agencies are ready to provide support and assistance to affected communities, and disaster management authorities are closely monitoring the situation.