Cyclone Jude Strikes Mozambique: Impacts and Future Predictions

Cyclone Jude has struck Mozambique, leading to six fatalities and major flooding. Initially forming as a depression, it intensified into a tropical cyclone impacting land with winds comparable to a Category 1 hurricane. While weakening, forecasts predict a potential regain of strength as it heads toward Madagascar. South Africa also faces severe weather threats.

Cyclone Jude has impacted Mozambique, disrupting normal activities in the region. Initially identified as a depression on March 14, the cyclone intensified into a tropical storm by March 15, affecting northern Madagascar, causing six fatalities and destroying 900 homes.

As the cyclone moved westward across the Mozambique Channel, it evolved into a full tropical cyclone, driven by unusually high sea surface temperatures. This transformation led to landfall in Mozambique, where wind speeds reached 120 km/h with gusts up to 193 km/h, resembling a Category 1 hurricane.

Coastal locales, such as Memba, Monapo, Mossuril, Mozambique Island, and Nacala, experienced significant rainfall of over 200 mm within 24 hours, resulting in severe flooding. The disaster resulted in flight cancellations and left approximately 40,000 individuals without electricity.

While Cyclone Jude has weakened, predictions indicate it may regain strength as it curves back to the Mozambique Channel and heads toward southern Madagascar later this week. Some weather models suggest it could reestablish tropical cyclone status by Friday night, potentially leading to more devastation.

In South Africa, intense thunderstorms occurred on March 13, warranting a Level 6 alert for heavy rain and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal province. A cold front triggered these storms by lifting warm air, resulting in approximately 100 mm of rain over 24 hours.

Cyclone Jude has caused significant devastation in Mozambique, highlighted by fatalities, property destruction, and severe flooding. Although weakening, there are concerns as it may approach Madagascar with renewed strength, risking additional damage. Concurrently, South Africa faces its weather challenges, illustrating the ongoing instability in the region’s climate. Immediate attention to infrastructure and disaster preparedness is vital as conditions evolve.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in