Cyclone Affecting Electricity In Nampula
Nampula (Mozambique), 25 Jan (AIM) – Tropical cyclone Cheneso has affected electricity supply in the northern Mozambican province of Nampula.
According to a note from the publicly owned electricity company EDM, the cyclonic winds have brought down 11 medium voltage pylons in the districts of Nacala-a-Velha and Memba, affecting over 31,270 EDM clients.
EDM says it has technical teams working on the ground to ensure normal supply of electricity as quickly as possible.
Cheneso formed in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, over a week ago. As it passed over northern Madagascar, it was expected to dissipate. But instead, it entered the Mozambique Channel, and grew in strength. On Wednesday morning, Cheneso’s average wind speed was 75 knots (about 140 kilometres an hour).
According to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre, the speed is expected to reach 90 knots on Friday, and 100 knots on Friday, by which time Cheneso it will be over Europa Island, a French possession in the Mozambique Channel.
The wind and rains brought by Cheneso are expected to affect the weather in the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane, but the cyclone is not projected to make landfall in Mozambique. Instead, it will veer south-east, heading away from the African mainland.
During the rainy season (which runs from October to March), EDM advises the public to observe safety measures, such as not approaching any electrical equipment and not touching any cables or pylons. Electrical equipment should be kept away from water, and children should not be allowed to play near damaged cables.
Mozambique’s National Meteorology Institute (INAM) warns that Cheneso will generate thunderstorms and high winds, with waves at sea up to ten metres tall.
(AIM)
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