Cyclone Freddy hits Mozambique with ‘dangerous’ rainfall

This image from Meteosat-9 satellite shows Tropical Cyclone Freddy, centre right, and Mozambique on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023 (NOAA via AP/AP)

Tropical Cyclone Freddy dumped “dangerous and exceptional rainfall levels” over Mozambique on Friday as the long-lasting weather system continued to wreak havoc across southern Africa, the United Nations weather agency said.

Freddy made landfall in the coastal town of Vilanculos with wind speeds of 113 kilometers (70 miles) and is now classified as an “intense tropical cyclone” after picking up speed over the Mozambique channel.