Cyclone Jude has disrupted life in Mozambique, leading to fatalities, floods, and damage to homes. Initially forming as a depression and strengthening into a cyclone, it has caused significant rainfall and infrastructural challenges. Predictions suggest a potential re-intensification as it moves towards Madagascar. South Africa also faced thunderstorms, highlighting increasing weather volatility in the region.
Mozambique’s recent encounter with Cyclone Jude has disrupted normal life, as this intense weather event is the third cyclone to affect the country this season. Initially identified on March 14 in the Indian Ocean, it escalated from a depression to a moderate tropical storm by March 15, impacting northern Madagascar and resulting in six fatalities along with 900 houses destroyed.
Cyclone Jude strengthened into a tropical cyclone while crossing the Mozambique Channel, benefitting from sea surface temperatures nearing 30°C which supplied essential heat and moisture. Upon making landfall in Mozambique, it generated sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts up to 193 km/h, akin to a Category 1 hurricane, with coastal locations receiving over 200mm of rain in just 24 hours, leading to severe flooding.
The cyclone led to flight cancellations and left around 40,000 residents without electricity. Although Cyclone Jude has weakened, forecasts indicate it will return over the Mozambique Channel, heading east towards southern Madagascar later this week. There are predictions that Jude may regain tropical cyclone strength before reaching Madagascar’s coast on Friday night.
In related weather events, South Africa experienced severe thunderstorms on March 13, notably affecting KwaZulu-Natal province, which was under a Level 6 alert for heavy rain and flooding. A cold front combined with warm air caused rapid condensation and triggered these thunderstorms, resulting in approximately 100mm of rainfall within 24 hours.
Cyclone Jude has significantly affected Mozambique with floods, fatalities, and destruction of homes. Though weakened, it is expected to re-intensify as it approaches Madagascar. Additionally, neighboring South Africa has faced severe thunderstorms, stressing the regional impact of shifting weather patterns. Continued monitoring is essential as these weather systems evolve.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
