Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Mozambican National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued a warning today about the possibility of the severe tropical storm Gezani, already in the Mozambique Channel, developing into a tropical cyclone and making landfall on Friday in the province of Inhambane.
“The moderate tropical storm Gezani has intensified into a severe tropical storm in the Mozambique Channel. This system continues moving towards the coast of Inhambane province, with average winds of 100 kilometres per hour and gusts up to 150 kilometres per hour,” reads a statement from INAM.
According to the INAM document, current projections indicate that Gezani is expected to evolve into a tropical cyclone, with average winds of 140 kilometres per hour and maximum gusts of up to 240 kilometres per hour by Friday.
At least 36 people have died in Madagascar during the passage of Cyclone Gezani, which struck the country’s second-largest city, Toamasina, with full force on Tuesday night, according to a new government report.
Gezani weakened to a tropical storm upon reaching land, but Mozambican authorities expect it to intensify again in the coming hours.
INAM reports that Gezani could bring rainfall exceeding 200 millimetres, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, to Inhambane province in southern Mozambique, particularly affecting the districts of Govuro, Inhassoro, Vilankulo, Massinga, Morrumbene, Homoíne, Panda, Inharrime, Jangamo, Zavala, the city of Maxixe, as well as the provincial capital.
Rainfall of between 50 and 100 millimetres, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, is also expected in the provinces of Sofala (Central Mozambique), especially in the districts of Machanga, Búzi, Nhamatanda, and the cities of Dondo and Beira; in Gaza province (southern Mozambique), affecting the districts of Mandlakazi, Chongoene, Chibuto and Chigubo; and in the districts of Mabote and Funhalouro in Inhambane province, according to INAM.
Given the risks associated with the phenomenon, Mozambican authorities recommend that precautionary and safety measures be taken in response to strong winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms.
On Monday, the National Directorate for Water Resources Management (DNGRH) of Mozambique warned that around one million people could be affected by Gezani.
Presenting estimates of the potential impacts from the heavy rain and strong winds associated with the then-tropical storm, DNGRH Director Agostinho Vilanculo stated that this extreme event could affect the coastal areas of Gaza, Inhambane, and Sofala provinces, impacting around 1,600 health facilities and 600 kilometres of the electrical network.
