Cyclone Jude has resulted in power outages for approximately 272,757 customers in Nampula province, Mozambique, and caused at least six fatalities. Damage is estimated at 100 million meticais, with ongoing restoration efforts hindered by blocked access roads. The cyclone forms part of the seasonal severe weather challenges faced by Mozambique, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to climate impacts.
Cyclone Jude has caused widespread power outages in Nampula province, affecting nearly 273,000 customers. The Mozambican electricity company, Eletricidade de Mozambique (EDM), reported damage to 74 kilometers of power lines and the destruction of six transformer stations and two high-voltage towers. The cyclone has notably impacted the Nampula, Angoche, and Nacala substations, which collectively service around 15 districts.
The estimated damage from Cyclone Jude is approximately 100 million meticais, equivalent to €1.4 million. Access challenges due to blocked roads have hindered efforts to restore power fully, although partial restoration has been achieved in some urban areas like Nampula and Nacala. Meanwhile, at least six fatalities, along with injuries and significant disruptions to the education sector, have been reported in the wake of the cyclone’s impact.
Entering Mozambique early Monday with winds reaching 140 kilometers per hour, Cyclone Jude diminished to a severe tropical storm shortly thereafter. Meteorologists anticipate ongoing severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall of up to 250 millimeters within 24 hours. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD) is coordinating emergency measures, with estimates suggesting that up to 341,000 individuals may be affected.
This cyclonic event is part of Mozambique’s broader rainy season, which lasts from October through April, a period that has seen previous severe weather events, including Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. These cyclones not only devastated infrastructure but also significantly impacted over 736,000 individuals in the recent past. Since 2019, extreme weather events have resulted in over 1,016 deaths and affected approximately 4.9 million people, underscoring the vulnerability of Mozambique to climate change.
In conclusion, Cyclone Jude has inflicted significant damage on Nampula province, disrupting electricity for over 270,000 customers and resulting in fatalities and injuries. The Mozambican government has begun emergency responses, and restoration efforts are ongoing amid challenging conditions. The situation reflects the broader implications of climate change on Mozambique’s vulnerability to tropical storms and cyclical flooding, necessitating continued monitoring and preparedness.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
