Tropical Cyclone Jude Strikes Mozambique’s Nampula Coast

Tropical Cyclone Jude struck near Nacala, Mozambique, bringing significant rainfall and wind. Over 341,000 residents face high risk; schools are closed. Power outages are widespread, and domestic flights have been canceled.

Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall on the northern coast of Mozambique near Nacala on Sunday night. As reported by the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC), by Monday morning, the cyclone had moved approximately 100 kilometers inland, with wind speeds recorded at 65 knots (120 kilometers per hour). The storm is advancing westward and is expected to reach Malawi by Tuesday afternoon, when its wind speed will decrease to under 35 knots.

Significant rainfall is anticipated in the Nampula coastal districts, including Nacala, Mossuril, Memba, Mozambique Island, and Monapo, with expected precipitation amounts ranging from 100 to 200 millimeters within 24 hours. Rain began in Nampula province on Saturday night, intensifying the concerns surrounding the cyclone’s impact on local communities.

The National Disaster Management Institute (INGD) of Mozambique has reported that over 341,000 residents in the province are at high risk due to the cyclone. In response to these threats, the provincial education directorate has mandated the closure of all schools for the duration of Monday.

The cyclone has also caused damage to infrastructure, notably downing electricity pylons, resulting in approximately 40,000 customers of the public electricity provider, EDM, being without power as of Monday morning. Furthermore, Mozambique Airlines (LAM) has canceled all domestic flights to the northern regions, impacting services to Nampula, Nacala, and Pemba. LAM has committed to rescheduling passengers affected by the flight cancellations once weather conditions allow for safe operations.

In response to Cyclone Jude’s landfall in northern Mozambique, significant infrastructure damage and potential dangers to over 341,000 residents have emerged. Severe rainfall is predicted across affected districts, prompting school closures and flight cancellations. The situation continues to evolve as relief authorities and airline services manage the effects of the cyclone.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com