Northern Mozambique Faces Third Cyclone This Season: A Summary

Northern Mozambique is struck by Cyclone Jude, its third cyclone in four months. This severe weather event comes after Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction. As Jude moves inland, it may weaken but is warned to possibly intensify towards Madagascar.

Northern Mozambique is facing its third cyclone in four months, as heavy rains and strong winds impacted the region on Monday. Cyclone Jude made landfall with wind speeds of 140 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 195 kilometers per hour, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM). As the cyclone weakened into a severe tropical storm, it was accompanied by thunderstorms.

By Monday afternoon, there were no reports of casualties. Cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean typically spans from November to April, producing approximately twelve storms each year. December saw Cyclone Chido, which resulted in at least 120 deaths and nearly 120,000 homes destroyed.

In mid-January, Cyclone Dikeledi also struck, leading to five deaths and the destruction of approximately 3,500 homes. Forecasts indicate that Jude will weaken as it moves inland and approach the Mozambique-Malawi border. There is a potential for the cyclone to regain strength while heading southwest towards Madagascar.

In summary, Northern Mozambique is experiencing significant weather challenges with its third cyclone in a short span of four months. While Cyclone Jude is currently impacting the region, previous cyclones such as Chido and Dikeledi have already caused considerable loss of life and property. The situation remains critical as authorities monitor the cyclone’s movement and potential intensification as it progresses towards Madagascar.

Original Source: www.ecr.co.za