Cyclone Jude has made landfall near Nacala, Mozambique, with winds of 65 knots. Torrential rain up to 200 millimeters is expected, affecting over 341,000 people. Schools are closed, and approximately 40,000 are without power. Mozambique Airlines has canceled flights to northern cities due to the cyclone’s impact.
Tropical cyclone Jude made landfall on Mozambique’s northern coast on Sunday night, specifically near Nacala, a key port city. The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) reported that by mid-Monday, it had tracked approximately 100 kilometers inland, with winds reaching 65 knots (120 kilometers per hour). The cyclone is anticipated to move westward into Malawi by Tuesday afternoon, at which point its wind speed is expected to decrease to below 35 knots.
The Nampula coastal districts, including Nacala, Mossuril, Memba, Mozambique Island, and Monapo, are forecasted to experience heavy rainfall. It is estimated that these areas could receive between 100 and 200 millimeters of rain within a 24-hour period. Rainfall in Nampula province had already commenced on Saturday night, indicating the cyclone’s impact was being felt early.
The National Disaster Management Institute (INGD) of Mozambique estimates that over 341,000 residents in Nampula province are at high risk due to the cyclone. In response to the threat, the provincial directorate of education has mandated that all schools in the province close for the day on Monday.
As a result of the harsh weather conditions, electricity pylons have suffered damage, leaving approximately 40,000 customers of public electricity provider EDM without power as of Monday morning. Additionally, Mozambique Airlines (LAM) has canceled all domestic flights to northern cities, including Nampula, Nacala, and Pemba. LAM has stated that passengers will be rebooked on subsequent flights once weather conditions improve, facilitating safe travel once again.
Cyclone Jude poses a significant threat to the Nampula coastal areas of Mozambique with high winds and heavy rainfall. Local authorities have responded by closing schools and assessing the disaster’s impact on the populace. The disruption of power and flight cancellations further underscores the cyclone’s severe impact. Ongoing monitoring and preparations indicate the seriousness of the situation as the storm progresses into Malawi.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
