Cyclone Jude Strikes Northern Mozambique: A Region Affected by Multiple Storms

Northern Mozambique faced its third cyclone, Jude, in four months, with strong winds and heavy rains reported. Jude made landfall with winds of 140 km/h and gusts up to 195 km/h but has since weakened. Previous cyclones this season caused significant destruction, and the region is cautioned about Jude’s potential impacts as it moves towards Malawi and Madagascar.

Northern Mozambique has recently experienced its third cyclone in the past four months, as heavy rains and winds swept through the area. According to the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM), Cyclone Jude made landfall on a Monday morning, packing winds of 140 kilometers (87 miles) per hour and gusts reaching 195 kilometers per hour. Shortly thereafter, the cyclone weakened into a severe tropical storm accompanied by thunderstorms. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties as of Monday afternoon.

The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean typically spans from November to April, with around a dozen storms occurring each year. Cyclone Chido hit Mozambique in December, resulting in the death of at least 120 individuals and the destruction of nearly 120,000 homes, according to official reports. Similarly, Cyclone Dikeledi, which struck in mid-January, claimed five lives and severely damaged approximately 3,500 homes.

According to forecasts from the regional cyclone center located on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, Cyclone Jude is expected to weaken as it moves inland but may continue near the Mozambique-Malawi border. There is also a possibility that it could intensify as it progresses southwest towards Madagascar.

In summary, northern Mozambique has recently faced Cyclone Jude, marking the third cyclone in four months, following devastating storms earlier this season. Despite the severe weather conditions, no casualties have been reported thus far. The region continues to brace for potential impacts as the cyclone moves inland, while past cyclones have already inflicted significant human and material losses. Monitoring efforts remain critical as the cyclone season continues into April.

Original Source: www.ecr.co.za