Cyclone Jude Causes Widespread Power Outages and Damage in Mozambique’s Nampula Province

Cyclone Jude has knocked out electricity for over 270,000 customers in Nampula, Mozambique, causing significant damage to infrastructure. Reports indicate at least six fatalities and thousands affected by the cyclone, which brought severe weather and disruption, particularly in educational institutions. The country continues to face challenges from extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change.

On Wednesday, the Mozambican electricity company, Eletricidade de Mozambique (EDM), reported that tropical cyclone Jude has left 272,757 customers in Nampula province without electricity. The cyclone has caused significant damage, including the destruction of 74 kilometers of medium and low voltage lines, collapse of six transformer stations, and the failure of two high voltage towers along the Namialo and Monapoque line.

The power outages have specifically impacted the Nampula, Angoche, and Nacala substations, affecting 15 districts and several neighborhoods. EDM estimates the total damage caused by cyclone Jude at approximately 100 million meticais (€1.4 million). Access roads are currently blocked, which has hindered the restoration of power supply, although partial restoration has been reported in several cities and districts.

The National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD) has reported fatalities and injuries resulting from the cyclone: six people have died, 20 have been injured, and over 9,525 have been affected across Nampula, Niassa, and Zambézia provinces. Schools have also faced disruption, with 17,401 schoolchildren, 264 teachers, and 59 schools impacted in Nampula and Niassa.

Cyclone Jude, which made landfall at dawn with winds reaching up to 140 kilometers per hour, has rapidly transitioned into a severe tropical storm, with potential for significant rainfall. The INGD anticipates that up to 341,000 individuals may be affected by this weather event. Emergency operational committees are active, seeking resources to support recovery efforts.

Mozambique’s rainy season extends from October to April and has been historically marked by cyclones, including Chido and Dikeledi, which recently affected the country. Previous cyclones have inflicted heavy damage, impacting 736,000 individuals and resulting in infrastructure destruction. Extreme weather events have claimed over 1,016 lives and impacted nearly 4.9 million individuals between 2019 and 2023, emphasizing Mozambique’s vulnerability to climate change and associated disasters.

In summary, cyclone Jude has caused wide-reaching power outages and severe damage in Mozambique’s Nampula province, impacting hundreds of thousands of residents and critical infrastructure. Despite challenges in restoring power due to blocked access roads, efforts are underway to mitigate the effects of this disaster. The ongoing challenges from cyclones illustrate Mozambique’s significant vulnerability to climate events, necessitating sustained efforts to address disaster risk and improve resilience.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com