Northern Mozambique Faces Third Cyclone in Four Months Amid Ongoing Storm Season
Northern Mozambique has encountered its third cyclone, Jude, within four months, characterized by severe winds and thunderstorms. This follows the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido and Cyclone Dikeledi earlier this season. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported from Jude yet, though monitoring for further intensification is underway as it moves inland and potentially towards Madagascar.
On a recent Monday, northern Mozambique experienced the impact of its third cyclone within a span of four months, as reported by the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM). Cyclone Jude, which made landfall accompanied by winds reaching 140 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 195 kilometers per hour, subsequently weakened into a severe tropical storm characterized by thunderstorms. Fortunately, by Monday afternoon, there have been no reports of casualties.
The cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean typically spans from November to April, averaging around a dozen storms annually. Earlier disruptions included Cyclone Chido in December, which resulted in a significant loss of life, totaling at least 120 casualties and approximately 120,000 homes destroyed. Furthermore, Cyclone Dikeledi struck in mid-January, causing five fatalities and damage to nearly 3,500 homes.
According to the regional cyclone center located in the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion, Cyclone Jude is expected to weaken as it progresses inland, likely circulating near the Mozambique-Malawi border. The cyclone may intensify once more as it moves southwest towards Madagascar, prompting ongoing weather vigilance in affected areas.
In summary, northern Mozambique has been significantly affected by multiple severe cyclones in recent months. The current Cyclone Jude has struck the region, following Cyclone Chido and Cyclone Dikeledi, highlighting the destructive potential of seasonal storms. Continued monitoring is essential as the cyclone progresses, with concerns regarding potential intensification as it approaches Madagascar.
Original Source: www.ecr.co.za