Mozambique: From today, Nampula and Zambézia in the path of Cyclone Judy

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Mozambique: From today, Nampula and Zambézia in the path of Cyclone Judy

11:57 CAT | 10 Mar 2025

File photo: Tempo

At least 341,000 people in the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia are at risk of being affected by rainfall of over 200 millimetres in 24 hours and strong winds with gusts of up to 150 kilometres per hour, as Tropical Cyclone Judy passes through the two provinces.

The weather system, which was expected to reach the continent in the early hours of today, could last until the end of Wednesday, with the possibility of affecting 100 health units, 900 schools, 82,000 hectares of agricultural fields, eight electrical substations, as well as roads. This damage could occur due to flooding caused by the overflow of river basins swollen by the tropical storm.

The alert was given in Maputo yesterday by the team from the Technical Council for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, which promised the mobilization of teams to urge the population to leave risk areas and seek safe places.

According to Anacleta Botão, delegate of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) the weather system will affect 23 districts in Nampula.

Meanwhile, INGD spokesperson Paulo Tomás highlighted that emergency operational committees were activated to mobilize support for communities, with resources having been obtained for 65,000 people by Saturday. “Given the likelihood of traffic restrictions, pre-positioning takes place in high-risk areas, to ensure the availability of goods and prompt assistance to victims,” he said.

The head of the Department of Water Resources Management, Agostinho Vilanculos, reported that almost all coastal river basins (Nicobor, Monapo, Mongecual, Melela, Licungo and Lingonha) are at high levels. “We believe that, with more rain, traffic will be affected in coastal districts, where most of the roads are leveled, in addition to the risk of flooding in Quelimane and erosion in some districts,” he pointed out.

Given the situation, INGD appeals to drivers not to travel in these areas, and to the National Road Administration to inspect bridges over rivers at risk. Dorival Muterenda, director of Meteorological Forecasting at INAM, explained that the cyclone will influence the weather in Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Tete and Sofala, with the probability of rain, mainly in the coastal areas.

Source: Noticias