Cyclone Jude Strikes Mozambique: Devastation and Forecasts of Reintensification

Cyclone Jude, the third cyclone this season, has struck Mozambique, causing destruction and fatalities. The cyclone made landfall with winds comparable to a Category 1 hurricane, affecting various coastal areas and leading to flooding. Forecasts suggest potential reintensification as it moves toward Madagascar. South Africa also faced severe thunderstorms around the same time, prompting alerts for heavy rainfall.

Cyclone Jude has significantly disrupted normal life in Mozambique, marking the third cyclone to strike the nation this season. Initially recognized as a depression on March 14 in the Indian Ocean, the cyclone evolved into a moderate tropical storm, impacting northern Madagascar the following day. The storm has been associated with six reported fatalities and the destruction of approximately 900 houses.

The cyclone intensified as it progressed westward across the Mozambique Channel, becoming a tropical cyclone particularly due to sea surface temperatures approaching 30°C, which provided essential heat and moisture. Upon making landfall today, Cyclone Jude brought sustained winds of 120 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 193 km/h. This wind strength is comparable to a Category 1 hurricane, severely affecting coastal areas such as Memba, Monapo, Mossuril, Mozambique Island, and Nacala, which received over 200 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, leading to extensive flooding.

Consequently, flights were canceled, leaving about 40,000 individuals without electricity. While Cyclone Jude has weakened, forecasts predict that it will curve back into the Mozambique Channel and move east towards southern Madagascar later this week. Some weather models speculate that it may regain tropical cyclone status by Friday night upon reaching Madagascar’s coastline, raising concerns of additional devastation.

In related weather events, South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province experienced intense thunderstorms on March 13, prompting a Level 6 alert for heavy rainfall and flooding. A cold front passing through this region contributed to the rapid condensation of warm air, triggering severe storms that deposited around 100 mm of rain within a 24-hour period.

Cyclone Jude has caused significant damage in Mozambique, resulting in fatalities and widespread destruction. As it weakens, there is a possibility of reintensification as it approaches Madagascar. Additionally, severe weather events in South Africa highlight the broader impacts of changing weather patterns in the region.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in