Cyclone Jude has made landfall in Mozambique, affecting Nampula province with strong winds and heavy rain. Over 341,000 people are at risk, and local schools have been closed. Power outages and flight cancellations have also occurred, with efforts ongoing to transport affected passengers once conditions improve.
Tropical cyclone Jude made landfall on the northern coast of Mozambique, specifically near the port city of Nacala, on Sunday night. By Monday morning, the cyclone had progressed approximately 100 kilometers inland, displaying wind speeds of 65 knots (120 kilometers per hour). The cyclone is advancing westward and is expected to enter Malawi by Tuesday afternoon, likely with diminished wind speeds less than 35 knots.
Forecasters predict significant torrential rain affecting the coastal districts of Nampula, including Nacala, Mossuril, Memba, Mozambique Island, and Monapo, with anticipated rainfall ranging from 100 to 200 millimeters over a 24-hour span. Rainfall has been ongoing in Nampula province since Saturday night.
The National Disaster Management Institute (INGD) of Mozambique estimates that over 341,000 residents in the province are at elevated risk due to the cyclone. In response, the provincial education directorate has mandated the closure of all local schools for Monday.
The cyclone has caused damage to electrical infrastructure, resulting in approximately 40,000 clients of the public electricity company, EDM, experiencing power outages. Additionally, Mozambique Airlines (LAM) has canceled all domestic flights to northern regions, impacting services to Nampula, Nacala, and Pemba. LAM has assured affected passengers that transportation will resume as weather conditions improve and flight services become feasible again.
Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted the northern coastline of Mozambique, especially the Nampula province. With high winds and heavy rainfall, the cyclone poses risks to hundreds of thousands of residents, prompting school closures and power outages. Relief and transportation services are currently disrupted, but authorities are ensuring that affected passengers will be accommodated once conditions permit.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
