Cyclone Judy Approaches Mozambique: Urgent Preparations Underway

Tropical Cyclone Judy poses a severe threat to 341,000 residents in Nampula and Zambézia, with heavy rainfall and strong winds expected. Authorities have activated emergency responses, including evacuations and resource mobilization for affected communities, while advising against travel in hazardous areas due to the risk of flooding and infrastructure damage.

Mozambique is bracing for the impact of Tropical Cyclone Judy, with the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia particularly at risk. An estimated 341,000 individuals in these regions may experience heavy rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters within a span of 24 hours and strong winds gusting up to 150 kilometers per hour. The cyclone is projected to make landfall early today and could persist until Wednesday, endangering infrastructure such as 900 schools and 100 health units.

The cyclone is expected to cause significant flooding as river basins swell due to the torrential rainfall. Authorities, specifically the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, have issued alerts urging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate to safety. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) reported that the cyclone will impact 23 districts within Nampula, prompting emergency measures.

In response to the imminent threat, operational committees have been established to facilitate support for affected communities, with resources allocated to assist 65,000 individuals by Saturday. INGD emphasized the importance of pre-positioning supplies in high-risk areas to ensure timely assistance amid potential traffic disruptions.

Agostinho Vilanculos, the head of Water Resources Management, stated that most coastal river basins are currently at elevated levels, elevating the risk of traffic disruptions and flooding, especially in Quelimane. Additionally, he warned of potential erosion threats in several districts. INGD has advised motorists to refrain from traveling in these hazardous regions and has called on the National Road Administration to evaluate at-risk bridges thoroughly.

Meteorological expert Dorival Muterenda indicated that the cyclone will also have broader repercussions, affecting weather conditions in Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Tete, and Sofala, with expected rainfall primarily in coastal areas.

In summary, the impending impact of Tropical Cyclone Judy poses significant risks to at least 341,000 people in Mozambique’s Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Government agencies are mobilizing resources and urging evacuations in affected districts. The potential for extensive flooding and infrastructural damage necessitates careful monitoring as the cyclone progresses, emphasizing the need for continuous public safety measures.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com