Northern Mozambique has been hit by its third cyclone in four months as Cyclone Jude made landfall, featuring winds up to 195 kilometers per hour. Previous cyclones have caused significant destruction and loss of life. Currently, no casualties have been reported from Jude as it weakens while moving inland.
Northern Mozambique is currently grappling with its third cyclone within a four-month period, as severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, struck the region on Monday. The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) announced that Cyclone Jude made landfall, initially recording sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour) and gusts reaching up to 195 kilometers per hour. However, the cyclone subsequently weakened into a severe tropical storm laden with thunderstorms.
As of Monday afternoon, there have been no reports of casualties resulting from the cyclone. Notably, the cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean generally spans from November to April, during which approximately twelve storms typically occur each year. Cyclone Chido, which impacted the region in December, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 120 lives and the destruction of nearly 120,000 homes, as reported by official statistics.
Additionally, Cyclone Dikeledi, which hit in mid-January, led to the deaths of five individuals and the destruction of almost 3,500 residential structures. The regional cyclone center in La Reunion has indicated that Cyclone Jude is expected to weaken as it shifts inland and will likely circulate near the Mozambique-Malawi border. However, there is a possibility that it may intensify as it progresses southwest towards Madagascar.
In summary, Northern Mozambique is facing the aftermath of Cyclone Jude, the third cyclone to strike in just four months. Previous cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi, have caused significant loss of life and destruction of property. Although no casualties have yet been reported from Jude, authorities remain vigilant and caution that the cyclone could regain strength as it moves toward Madagascar. This underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the region to severe weather events during cyclone season.
Original Source: www.ecr.co.za
