Cyclone Jude Strikes Southern Africa: Damage Report and Ongoing Relief Efforts
Tropical Cyclone Jude has hit Malawi and Mozambique, resulting in significant damage and homelessness but no deaths. Relief efforts are underway, facing challenges due to infrastructure damage. Over 11,000 people are affected, with ongoing medical care and rescue operations for displaced individuals. The situation is stabilizing, yet flooding remains a concern.
Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, specifically Malawi and Mozambique, bringing considerable damage but, fortunately, no fatalities. Officials reported that thousands are now homeless and power outages have occurred in some affected areas. Relief efforts are underway; however, accessibility challenges due to washed-away roads are complicating these operations.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday and progressed into southern Malawi, unleashing heavy rainfall across 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. A preliminary evaluation by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicated that over 11,000 individuals were affected, having experienced crop destruction and damage to their homes and possessions.
According to the assessment, Cyclone Jude displaced more than 3,000 individuals, who are presently housed in six evacuation camps. Although there have been no reported deaths, local authorities confirmed that 15 people were injured, including two young boys aged 5 and 8, due to collapsing structures. Chipiliro Khamula, a spokesperson for the disaster management department, provided updates on their medical care.
Rescue efforts continue, as three individuals are still missing following a boat capsizing in the flooded Nsanje and Phalombe districts. Meanwhile, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has highlighted severe access issues for relief operations in Mozambique, particularly in Nampula province, where infrastructure damage has impeded aid delivery.
Malawi’s international aid agencies, in coordination with the government, have commenced relief efforts in areas not impacted by the storm’s destruction. For instance, the World Food Program initiated distributions in Mulanje district. Simon Denhere, WFP’s acting country director in Malawi, noted that preparations had been made for a quick response, thanks in part to support from the UK government.
Lucy Mtilatila, director at Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, informed that Cyclone Jude had transitioned from Malawi to Mozambique, indicating a reduction in immediate threats. However, concerns about continued flooding persist. Jude marks the third cyclone to affect Mozambique within three months, succeeding Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted Malawi and Mozambique, causing extensive damage and homelessness but no fatalities. Despite injuries among some individuals and ongoing rescue missions, relief operations are hampered by infrastructural challenges. With continuous replies from aid organizations and government efforts, the hope for recovery remains strong, even as concerns about flooding persist amidst ongoing weather conditions.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
