Cyclone Jude Causes Widespread Power Outages and Damage in Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude has resulted in electrical outages for over 272,000 customers in Mozambique’s Nampula province, with an estimated damage of 100 million meticais. The cyclone has caused six fatalities, injuries to 20 individuals, and disruptions to education. Emergency response efforts are underway amidst blocked access due to bad weather.

In northern Mozambique, over 272,000 customers in Nampula province have lost electricity due to the severe weather conditions brought on by Tropical Cyclone Jude, as reported by the country’s electricity company. Damage includes 74 kilometers of power lines and the destruction of six transformer stations and two high voltage towers between Namialo and Monapoque, according to Eletricidade de Mozambique (EDM).

Cyclone Jude’s impact extends to several substations servicing around 15 districts and various neighborhoods. The estimated cost of damage is approximately 100 million meticais, equivalent to €1.4 million. Currently, restoration efforts are hampered by blocked access roads, although some areas in Nampula, Nacala, and nearby districts have begun to regain power.

As a result of the cyclone, there have been tragic reports of at least six fatalities, 20 injuries, and over 9,500 individuals affected across Nampula, Niassa, and Zambézia provinces. Furthermore, more than 17,000 schoolchildren, along with teachers and educational infrastructure, have been negatively impacted.

The cyclone, which made landfall with winds reaching 140 kilometers per hour, has since downgraded to a severe tropical storm. Meteorologists predict that it could result in heavy rainfall, potentially accumulating to 250 millimeters within a 24-hour period.

The National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD) warns that the cyclone could affect approximately 341,000 people, with emergency committees already activated to coordinate response efforts. This cyclone follows a pattern of extreme weather events experienced in Mozambique, particularly during the rainy season from October to April, exacerbated by climate change. Recent cyclones have previously devastated the country, leading to significant loss of life and property during previous seasons.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused substantial electrical outages and damage in Mozambique, particularly affecting Nampula province. With a high number of casualties and significant impacts on educational facilities, the situation remains dire. Emergency measures are being coordinated to address the needs of approximately 341,000 impacted individuals, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of Mozambique to climate-related disasters.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com