Cyclone Jude Devastates Power Infrastructure in Nampula, Mozambique

Tropical cyclone Jude has left 272,757 customers in Nampula province without electricity and has resulted in casualties and widespread damage. The cyclone caused significant disruptions to infrastructure and education, with emergency responses activated in light of the disaster. Mozambique continues to contend with the adverse impacts of climate change as it navigates its rainy season.

The passage of tropical cyclone Jude in northern Mozambique has resulted in widespread power outages, affecting 272,757 customers in the Nampula province. The Mozambican electricity company, Eletricidade de Mozambique (EDM), reported severe damages to 74 kilometers of electricity lines and the collapse of six transformer stations along with two high voltage towers between Namialo and Monapoque.

Power cuts have particularly impacted substations in Nampula, Angoche, and Nacala, which serve approximately 15 districts. EDM estimates the damage from the cyclone to be around 100 million meticais (equivalent to €1.4 million). Access roads remain obstructed, complicating efforts to restore power, although some cities have seen a partial restoration of electricity.

Casualties from Cyclone Jude included at least six fatalities, with an additional 20 individuals injured and 9,525 people affected across Nampula, Niassa, and Zambézia provinces, according to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD). The storm disrupted the education of 17,401 schoolchildren, impacted 264 teachers, and damaged numerous schools and classrooms across the affected regions.

Meteorologist Manuel Francisco noted that the cyclone, which made landfall with winds reaching 140 kilometers per hour, reverted to a severe tropical storm shortly thereafter. He indicated the potential for heavy rainfall, accumulating up to 250 millimeters within 24 hours. The INGD has warned that as many as 341,000 individuals could be impacted. Emergency operational committees have been activated to coordinate resources for recovery efforts.

Cyclone Jude is occurring amid Mozambique’s rainy season, which lasts from October to April, a period marked by recurrent cyclones. Recent cyclones such as Chido and Dikeledi have already affected the region, highlighting the vulnerability of Mozambique to extreme weather events. Data shows that between 2019 and 2023, at least 1,016 deaths were attributed to such events, affecting roughly 4.9 million individuals. Mozambique is recognized as one of the nations most severely impacted by climate change, grappling with both flooding during the rainy season and prolonged droughts.

In conclusion, Cyclone Jude has caused significant damage in northern Mozambique, leading to extensive power outages affecting over 270,000 customers and numerous casualties. The event underscores the challenges Mozambique faces amid its rainy season and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change. Efforts to restore power and support the affected population are ongoing, with the government actively coordinating resources.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com