Cheneso Cyclone Disrupts Power Supply in Nampula Province of Mozambique
Tropical Cyclone Cheneso has caused disruptions to electricity supply in the northern Mozambican province of Nampula. The publicly-owned electricity company, EDM, reported that 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. However, EDM has sent technical teams to the affected areas to restore normal electricity supply as soon as possible.
Cheneso formed in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar over a week ago. Although it was expected to dissipate as it passed over northern Madagascar, it instead entered the Mozambique Channel and gained strength.
According to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre, the average wind speed was 75 knots (about 140 kilometers per hour) on Wednesday 25.01.2023 morning and is expected to reach 90 knots and 100 knots by Friday, when it will be over Europa Island, a French possession in the Mozambique Channel.
While the wind and rain brought by Cheneso are expected to affect the weather in the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane, the cyclone is not projected to make landfall in Mozambique. Instead, it is expected to head southeast away from the African mainland.
EDM advises the public to take safety measures during the rainy season (October to March) such as avoiding approaching electrical equipment, not touching cables or pylons, keeping electrical equipment away from water and not allowing children to play near damaged cables. The National Meteorology Institute of Mozambique (INAM) has warned that Cheneso will bring thunderstorms, high winds and waves at sea up to ten meters tall.
