Mozambique Faces Threat from Tropical Cyclone Judy: Preparedness and Response Measures

Tropical Cyclone Judy threatens Mozambique’s Nampula and Zambézia provinces, potentially affecting 341,000 people with heavy rains and strong winds. Emergency operations are underway to assist communities at risk of flooding and infrastructure damage. Authorities have mobilized resources and urged caution to avoid travel in affected areas.

Mozambique is currently facing significant threats as Tropical Cyclone Judy approaches. The cyclone is expected to impact Nampula and Zambézia provinces, where approximately 341,000 individuals are at risk of encountering heavy rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters within 24 hours and winds gusting up to 150 kilometers per hour. This weather system, arriving in the early hours today, may persist until Wednesday and could lead to extensive flooding, impacting numerous infrastructures.

The Technical Council for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction issued alerts from Maputo, coordinating efforts to evacuate residents from vulnerable areas and guide them to safer locations. Anacleta Botão, a delegate from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), indicated that 23 districts in Nampula will be affected. Furthermore, emergency operational committees have been established to provide support for the anticipated crisis, with resources allocated for 65,000 people, as stated by INGD spokesperson Paulo Tomás.

Agostinho Vilanculos, the head of the Department of Water Resources Management, also expressed concern regarding the high water levels in all coastal river basins. He cautioned that continued rainfall could disrupt transportation in coastal districts, particularly Quelimane, escalating the risk of flooding and erosion. In light of these dangers, the INGD has urged motorists to avoid these areas and requested the National Road Administration to assess bridges over vulnerable rivers.

Meteorological forecasts from Dorival Muterenda, director of Forecasting at INAM, suggest that the cyclone will also affect Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Tete, and Sofala, particularly with the likelihood of rain in the coastal regions. Authorities are mobilizing resources and support in anticipation of severe weather impacts and infrastructure damage.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Judy poses a significant threat to Mozambique, particularly in the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia, where thousands are at risk of extreme weather conditions. The government and disaster management agencies are actively seeking to mitigate the impacts through evacuations, resource mobilization, and infrastructure assessments. Continued monitoring and community preparedness are crucial as the cyclone approaches and weather conditions evolve.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com