MAPUTO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Intense Tropical Cyclone Gezani no longer poses a threat to Mozambique after moving parallel to the southern province of Inhambane and returning to the Indian Ocean, the National Meteorology Institute (INAM) announced on Saturday.
Speaking in Maputo, INAM General Director Aderito Aramuge recalled that the institute had earlier warned of the possibility that the system could affect coastal areas of Inhambane Province.
According to Aramuge, the cyclone tracked along the coastline without making landfall, significantly reducing its overall impact. As a result, the strong winds initially forecast did not fully materialize over the mainland.
Meanwhile, Luisa Meque, president of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, announced that families who had been sheltered in accommodation centers in Maxixe City, one of the affected areas in Inhambane Province, are now allowed to return to their homes.
Following assessment visits to several neighborhoods, authorities confirmed that minimum safety conditions have been restored to facilitate the return of residents, Meque said.
INGD data show that eight accommodation centers were activated in Inhambane Province, currently hosting 871 people from 109 families.
Although the cyclone did not make direct landfall, at least four deaths were reported, caused by falling trees and lightning strikes, according to preliminary information. ■
