Cyclone Jude Causes Destruction in Malawi and Mozambique Without Fatalities
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted southern Africa, causing widespread damage but no deaths. Thousands are homeless, with significant flooding in Malawi and Mozambique. Relief efforts are ongoing amid infrastructure challenges. No casualties have been reported, though injuries occurred from collapsing buildings. The cyclone is expected to dissipate, but flooding remains a concern.
Tropical Cyclone Jude severely impacted southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, causing extensive damage yet no reported fatalities. Thousands of individuals have been rendered homeless, and many regions continue to experience power outages. Despite the efforts of aid agencies, relief distribution has been challenging due to washed-away access roads.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday, subsequently moving through southern Malawi. Heavy rainfall has affected 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday, with preliminary assessments indicating that over 11,000 individuals have been impacted, resulting in lost crops and submerged properties. Furthermore, more than 3,000 people are displaced and currently sheltered in six evacuation camps.
Although there have been no deaths, 15 individuals sustained injuries from collapsing structures, including two young boys aged 5 and 8. According to spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula, both children are receiving medical care at local hospitals. Rescue teams are actively searching for three other individuals who went missing after their boat capsized in flooded districts.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that relief operations in Mozambique are significantly hindered by the destruction of infrastructure in Nampula province. The cyclone has similarly disrupted the N1 national highway, complicating the transport of necessary relief supplies.
In Malawi, aid agencies and government bodies commenced relief efforts in areas that remain accessible. The World Food Program has initiated distribution activities in Mulanje district, facilitated by pre-positioned food supplies and emergency kits from international partners.
Lucy Mtilatila from Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services stated that Cyclone Jude has moved primarily into Mozambique and is projected to dissipate soon. While the risk posed by the cyclone diminishes, she noted that the potential for flooding still exists, although recent rains are expected to have minimal impact.
Cyclone Jude marks the third cyclone to affect Mozambique in three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has wreaked havoc across southern Africa, particularly affecting Malawi and Mozambique. While there have been no fatalities, the storm has displaced many individuals and caused significant infrastructural damage. Relief efforts are ongoing, albeit hindered by challenging conditions. As the cyclone dissipates, concerns about flooding remain, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to climatic events.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
