Cyclone Jude has hit Mozambique, causing destruction and disruption. Initially a depression, it intensified into a tropical cyclone, resulting in six deaths and the destruction of homes. Landfall brought significant rainfall and flooding, affecting thousands. Though weakened, forecasts indicate the cyclone may regain strength as it approaches Madagascar. South Africa also faced severe weather around the same time.
Cyclone Jude has recently impacted Mozambique, disrupting daily life in the region. Initially identified as a depression on March 14, it transformed into a moderate tropical storm, striking northern Madagascar by March 15. This cyclone has resulted in six fatalities and left approximately 900 houses in ruins.
As Cyclone Jude moved westward across the Mozambique Channel, it intensified into a full-blown tropical cyclone due to elevated sea surface temperatures nearing 30°C, which provided the essential energy for its development. Early on March 16, it made landfall in Mozambique with sustained winds reaching 120 km/h and gusts up to 193 km/h, akin to a Category 1 hurricane.
Coastal regions such as Memba, Monapo, Mossuril, Mozambique Island, and Nacala experienced devastating rainfall, with over 200 mm recorded within just 24 hours, leading to significant flooding. The storm also prompted flight cancellations and left around 40,000 individuals without power. Though Cyclone Jude has weakened, forecasts predict it may regain strength as it shifts back over the Mozambique Channel, moving toward southern Madagascar later this week.
Weather models suggest that Jude could re-intensify into a tropical cyclone by the time it reaches Madagascar on Friday night, risking further destruction. Concurrently, South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province faced severe thunderstorms on March 13, leading to a Level 6 alert due to heavy rainfall and flooding. A cold front enhanced the storms, resulting in approximately 100 mm of rain within 24 hours.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has wreaked havoc in Mozambique, causing fatalities, structural damage, and power outages. Initially forming as a depression, it escalated into a significant tropical cyclone, bringing severe weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall and winds. The potential for Jude to regain strength in the coming days poses an additional threat to Madagascar, while South Africa has also faced its own weather challenges.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
