Northern Mozambique faces its third cyclone in four months, this time Cyclone Jude, which made landfall with winds reaching 140 km/h. Though it weakened into a tropical storm, past cyclones have caused significant destruction and loss of life. Authorities report no casualties so far, but warnings suggest potential intensification as it moves toward Madagascar.
Northern Mozambique is currently experiencing its third cyclone within a four-month period, as heavy rains and strong winds impacted the region on Monday. Cyclone Jude made landfall in the morning with sustained winds reaching 140 kilometres per hour and gusts of up to 195 kilometres per hour, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM).
Following its initial landfall, the cyclone weakened into a severe tropical storm, accompanied by thunderstorms. As of Monday afternoon, authorities reported no casualties linked to the storm. The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean typically spans from November to April, usually bringing around a dozen storms annually.
The region has already faced severe impacts from previous cyclones. In December, Cyclone Chido resulted in at least 120 fatalities and destroyed nearly 120,000 homes. Additionally, Cyclone Dikeledi, which struck in mid-January, claimed at least five lives and caused significant damage to approximately 3,500 homes.
The regional cyclone centre located on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion forecasts that Cyclone Jude will likely weaken as it moves inland and will circulate near the border between Mozambique and Malawi. However, there is a warning that the storm could regain intensity while advancing southwest toward Madagascar.
Cyclone Jude’s arrival marks the third cyclone impacting northern Mozambique in a four-month timeframe, following the severe consequences of its predecessors. With the ongoing cyclone season, the region remains vulnerable to natural disasters, underlining the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness to mitigate damage and ensure public safety.
Original Source: www.ecr.co.za
