Cyclone Jude struck Northern Mozambique, marking the region’s third cyclone in four months, bringing high winds and heavy rain. Previous cyclones this season have caused significant casualties and damage. As Jude moves inland, its trajectory may affect bordering areas, particularly Malawi and Madagascar.
Northern Mozambique recently experienced its third cyclone in just four months, with Cyclone Jude making landfall on Monday. This weather event brought heavy rains and strong winds, registering speeds of 140 kilometers per hour (87 mph) and gusts at 195 kilometers per hour. Although Cyclone Jude later weakened into a severe tropical storm accompanied by thunderstorms, there have been no reported casualties as of Monday afternoon.
Typically, the cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean runs from November to April, yielding around a dozen storms annually. Previously, Cyclone Chido hit in December, leading to at least 120 fatalities and the destruction of approximately 120,000 homes. Moreover, Cyclone Dikeledi struck in mid-January, resulting in at least five deaths and the damage of nearly 3,500 homes.
The regional cyclone center in La Reunion predicts that Jude will weaken as it moves inland and approach the border of Mozambique and Malawi. It also cautioned that Cyclone Jude could potentially intensify again while continuing southwest toward Madagascar.
In summary, Northern Mozambique is currently facing its third cyclone in a short span of time, Cyclone Jude, which has made landfall with significant winds and rainfall. This follows a series of destructive cyclones in the region that have resulted in numerous fatalities and widespread property damage. As the cyclone moves inland, its future path may impact neighboring regions, underlining the ongoing threat posed by seasonal cyclones in the area.
Original Source: www.ecr.co.za
