Tropical Cyclone Jude Impacts Northern Mozambique, Significant Risks Identified

Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Mozambique’s Nampula region, making landfall near Nacala. The cyclone brought strong winds and heavy rain, putting over 341,000 people at risk and prompting school closures. Additionally, power outages and flight cancellations have been reported as efforts are made to manage the situation.

Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall near the port city of Nacala, on the northern coast of Mozambique, on Sunday evening. By Monday morning, reports from the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre indicated that the cyclone had moved approximately 100 kilometers inland, with sustained winds of 65 knots (120 kilometers per hour). The storm is projected to proceed westward and is expected to enter Malawi by Tuesday afternoon, albeit at diminished wind speeds of below 35 knots.

Heavy rainfall has been forecasted for several coastal districts in Nampula, including Nacala, Mossuril, Memba, Mozambique Island, and Monapo. Rainfall amounts are anticipated to reach between 100 and 200 millimeters within a 24-hour period, with precipitation already occurring across the province since Saturday evening.

The National Disaster Management Institute (INGD) of Mozambique has reported that over 341,000 individuals in the province are currently at high risk due to the cyclone’s impact. In light of the situation, the provincial directorate of education has mandated the closure of all schools in Nampula for the entirety of Monday.

The cyclone has caused significant damage, bringing down electricity pylons, which left around 40,000 customers of the public electricity company, EDM, without power as of Monday morning. Additionally, Mozambique Airlines (LAM) has suspended all domestic flights to northern destinations, affecting travel to Nampula, Nacala, and Pemba. The airline has assured passengers that they will be accommodated on future flights once conditions improve.

Cyclone Jude has made a significant impact along the northern coast of Mozambique, particularly affecting the Nampula province. The cyclone’s strong winds and anticipated torrential rains pose substantial risks to the local population, prompting school closures and flight cancellations. Efforts are underway to assist the affected individuals as the situation develops.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com