Another cyclone may hit Mozambique during current rainy season

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Another cyclone may hit Mozambique during current rainy season

12:32 CAT | 24 Dec 2024

File photo: Noticias

The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) forecasts the possibility of another tropical cyclone during the current rainy and cyclone season, which runs from November to April of next year. This would be the second cyclone of the season, following the recent impact of Chido, which struck the northern coast of Mozambique last week.

Seasonal forecasts for the 2024/2025 rainy season indicate that 12 storms are expected to form in the Indian Ocean, five of which could develop into tropical cyclones. One of these, Chido, already reached the Mozambique Channel and affected the provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Niassa. It caused dozens of fatalities, hundreds of injuries, destroyed homes, displaced residents, and damaged roads and communication infrastructure.

According to Adérito Aramugi, in addition to Chido, which worsened the already critical situation for populations in northern Mozambique, another extreme weather event may occur in the coming months.

“It is widely known that we are vulnerable to cyclones forming in the southwestern Indian Ocean and moving westward towards the Mozambique Channel. During this trajectory, we monitor their path and forecast their impact, remaining on alert for another possible phenomenon,” Aramugi stated.

He added that in terms of magnitude, Chido was comparable to Cyclone Idai, which hit as a Category 4 storm with winds exceeding 195 kilometers per hour and gusts of 230 kilometers per hour, leaving significant destruction in areas such as Pemba, Mecúfi, and other regions in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces.

However, while Chido was as intense as Idai—known as one of the deadliest cyclones in Mozambique’s history—its impact was comparatively reduced thanks to advancements in meteorological forecasting, the timely dissemination of information, and increased public awareness of preventive measures.

“As a result of Cyclone Chido, in Cabo Delgado province, particularly in Pemba city, our facilities also suffered damage, including the partial destruction of office roofs, the collapse of three verandas, and damage to two computers and a printer,” Aramugi explained.

In addition, in Ancuabe district, a rain gauge and perimeter gate were destroyed; in Mecúfi, a meteorological shelter and several instruments, including thermometers, a psychrometer, and a Piché evaporimeter, were damaged. In Chiúre, the meteorological shelter and a solar panel for an automatic station were partially damaged, while in Metuge, a perimeter fence and equipment sustained similar damage.

Given this scenario of damage to meteorological facilities and equipment, INAM has already implemented contingency measures to address the situation and ensure the continuity of normal meteorological services.

Source: Noticias