Cyclone Jude Impacts Mozambique: Nampula Under Threat from Severe Weather

Tropical Cyclone Jude has made landfall in northern Mozambique, impacting Nampula with strong winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone poses high risks to over 341,000 people, leading to school closures and extensive flight cancellations as authorities respond to the emergency situation.

Tropical Cyclone Jude made landfall on the northern coast of Mozambique near the port city of Nacala on Sunday night. By mid-morning on Monday, the cyclone had progressed approximately 100 kilometers inland, exhibiting wind speeds of 65 knots (120 kilometers per hour). The storm is moving westward and is expected to enter Malawi by Tuesday afternoon with decreased speeds below 35 knots.

The forecast predicts heavy rainfall in Nampula’s coastal districts including Nacala, Mossuril, Memba, Mozambique Island, and Monapo, estimating accumulations between 100 and 200 millimeters within a 24-hour period. Rainfall has already commenced across Nampula province since Saturday night.

The National Disaster Management Institute (INGD) of Mozambique has estimated that over 341,000 individuals in the province are at significant risk from the cyclone. In response to this threat, the provincial directorate of education has mandated the closure of all schools in the province for the entirety of Monday.

The cyclone has caused damage to electricity pylons, leaving approximately 40,000 customers of the public electricity company, EDM, without power as of Monday morning. Additionally, Mozambique Airlines (LAM) has cancelled all domestic flights to northern cities, including Nampula, Nacala, and Pemba. The airline has assured affected passengers that they will be accommodated on future flights once the weather improves.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted the northern coast of Mozambique, particularly around Nacala, with expectations of heavy rainfall and high risk to over 341,000 people. The government has responded with school closures and emergency measures. Damage to infrastructure, such as electricity pylons, has compounded the crisis. Transportation services, including flights, have been suspended until conditions improve.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com