Impacts of the Tropical Cyclone Idai in Mozambique: A Multi-Temporal Landsat Satellite Imagery Analysis

The Central Region of Mozambique (Sofala Province) bordering on the active cyclone area southwestern Indian Ocean has been particularly affected by climate hazards. Cyclone Idai, which hit region in March 2019 with strong winds causing extensive flooding and a massive loss life, was strongest recorded tropical Southern Hemisphere. aim this study to use pre- post-cyclone Idai Landsat satellite images analyze temporal changes Land Use Cover (LULC) across Sofala Province. Specifically, we aimed—(i) quantify map LULC between 2012 2019; (ii) investigate correlation distance Idai’s trajectory degree vegetation damage, (iii) determine damage caused different LULC. We used 7 8 (with 30 m resolution) taken during month April for 8-year period. Average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) over aforementioned period (2012–2018, pre-cyclone) compared values (post-cyclone). results showed decreasing trend productivity (NDVI 0.5 0.8) an abrupt decrease after cyclone. most devastated land classes were dense (decreased 59%), followed wetland (?57%) shrub (?56%). least damaged areas barren (?23%), (?27%), grassland dambos (?27%). Northeastern, regions areas. Pearson Correlation Coefficient relative change activity (NDVI%) 0.95 (R-square 0.91), suggesting positive linear correlation. Our also indicated that type (vegetation physiognomy) might have influenced damage. This provides new insights management conservation natural habitats threatened hazards human factors accelerate ongoing recovery processes