Cyclone Dineo

Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

The origins of Dineo can be tracked back to a cluster of thunderstorms that organized into an area of low pressure in the Mozambique Channelon February 11. Over the next two days, the system gradually drifted in a generally southern track as it gained intensity and prompted the JTWC to issue a TCFA.[2]On February 13, RSMC La Réunion had declared that a Tropical Disturbance has formed in the area and began issuing advisories.[3] Located in a very favorable environment, the depression quickly gained intensity and both the RSMC and JTWC had noted winds of at least 65 km/h (40 mph) later that day, with the RSMC subsequently naming the storm Dineo.[4][5]

Dineo struck Mozambique on February 15 as a tropical cyclone, bringing torrential rain and damaging winds.[6] Dineo was the first tropical cyclone to hit Mozambique since Cyclone Jokwe in 2008.[7] Satellite-derived estimates indicated up to 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain fell in Inhambane.[6] At least seven people were killed across the country,[8] including a child crushed by a fallen tree in Massinga.[9] An estimated 20,000 homes were destroyed and approximately 130,000 people were directly affected.[8] Widespread flooding took place in Zimbabwe, with Mutare, Chiredzi, and Beitbridge particularly hard-hit.[10] At least 271 people were killed by the storm and damage exceeded US$200 million.[11][12][13] The storm's remnants triggered destructive floods in Botswana.[14] In the month following the storm, a cholera outbreak in Mozambique and Malawi infected more than 1,200 people and claimed 2 lives.[15][16]

• Cyclone Jokwe – Last cyclone to hit Mozambique prior to Dineo
• Cyclone Idai – A similar, but stronger and deadlier cyclone