Impact of Cyclone Jude on Nampula Province: Electricity Disruptions and Human Toll

Tropical cyclone Jude has caused power outages for over 272,000 customers in Nampula province, Mozambique, damaging key infrastructure and affecting human life. At least six fatalities have been reported, along with significant disruptions to education and emergency response efforts. The cyclone’s occurrence underscores Mozambique’s vulnerability to extreme weather and climate change.

In Nampula province, northern Mozambique, over 272,000 customers are currently without electricity due to the adverse weather conditions caused by tropical cyclone Jude. According to Eletricidade de Mozambique (EDM), the cyclone has severely damaged medium and low voltage lines, resulting in the collapse of six transformer stations and two high voltage towers in the area. The disruptions have impacted several substations across approximately 15 districts.

The estimated damage from cyclone Jude stands at around 100 million meticais, equivalent to €1.4 million. Efforts to restore power are hindered by blocked access roads; however, the power supply has been partially restored in some regions, including parts of Nampula, Nacala, and surrounding districts.

The cyclone has also affected human life, leading to six fatalities, numerous injuries, and impacting over 9,500 individuals in Nampula, Niassa, and Zambézia provinces. It has disrupted the education of 17,401 children and affected 59 schools and 181 classrooms. The cyclone, which began with winds of 140 kilometers per hour, has the potential to cause significant rainfall.

Meteorologists anticipate that the cyclone, having downgraded to a severe tropical storm, may continue to affect the region with heavy rains over the next few days. Emergency operational committees are activated, and meetings are being held to coordinate available resources for those affected by this natural disaster.

Mozambique is currently in the rainy season, posing risks from cyclones. Previous cyclones during the last rainy season also had devastating effects, displacing approximately 736,000 people and leading to significant infrastructure damage. From 2019 to 2023, extreme weather events have caused over 1,000 deaths and impacted nearly 4.9 million people in the country, underscoring Mozambique’s vulnerability to climate change.

Tropical cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on Nampula province, resulting in extensive power outages and significant human suffering. The damage to infrastructure and health, including casualties and school disruptions, highlights the ongoing challenges Mozambique faces from cyclones and climate change. Ongoing recovery efforts will be essential as the government navigates this crisis during the rainy season.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com