Impacts of Cyclone Jude in Mozambique and Forecasts for the Region

Cyclone Jude has hit Mozambique, causing six deaths and damaging 900 homes. It strengthened into a tropical cyclone, bringing severe flooding and winds akin to a Category 1 hurricane. While it has weakened, forecasts suggest it may regain strength as it moves towards southern Madagascar later this week. Meanwhile, South Africa is facing intense thunderstorms and flooding.

Cyclone Jude has significantly disrupted daily life in Mozambique, following its arrival along the Indian Ocean coast. Initially recognized as a depression on March 14, it quickly escalated into a moderate tropical storm, impacting northern Madagascar shortly thereafter. Tragically, the cyclone has been associated with six fatalities and the destruction of approximately 900 homes, underscoring its severity.

The cyclone, fueled by sea surface temperatures nearing 30°C, intensified into a tropical cyclone as it moved across the Mozambique Channel. It made landfall early today, producing sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts reaching 193 km/h, placing it at a strength comparable to a Category 1 hurricane. Coastal regions including Memba, Monapo, Mossuril, Mozambique Island, and Nacala registered over 200mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period, leading to significant flooding.

Further complicating the situation, flights were canceled, and around 40,000 individuals were left without power. Although Cyclone Jude has weakened, meteorological forecasts indicate that it may curve back over the Mozambique Channel, potentially re-strengthening as it approaches southern Madagascar later this week. Some models predict it may regain its tropical cyclone status by Friday night, posing an additional threat to the region.

In related weather developments, South Africa experienced severe thunderstorms on March 13, resulting in the KwaZulu-Natal province being placed on a Level 6 alert for heavy rainfall and flooding. This was caused by a cold front lifting warm air, leading to the rapid condensation that triggered these storms, with approximately 100mm of rain falling within 24 hours.

In conclusion, Cyclone Jude has profoundly impacted Mozambique, resulting in fatalities, destruction of homes, and widespread flooding. Initial forecasts indicate a potential resurgence of the cyclone as it makes its way towards southern Madagascar later this week. Concurrently, South Africa has faced its own weather challenges with significant thunderstorms, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to severe weather events.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in