Frelimo Calls for Enhanced Assistance to Cyclone Jude Victims in Mozambique
Frelimo demands increased government support for victims of Tropical Cyclone Jude, which killed six and affected over 9,500 citizens. The cyclone impacted schools and students, illustrating the severe disruptions caused by extreme weather events in Mozambique, particularly during the rainy season.
The Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) has urged the government to enhance aid for the victims of Tropical Cyclone Jude, which struck on Monday, resulting in six fatalities. Frelimo spokesperson Ludmila Maguni emphasized the necessity of increased support from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) during a recent Political Commission session.
Recent statistics from the INGD reveal that the cyclone has injured 20 individuals and affected at least 9,525 people in the northern provinces of Nampula and Niassa, as well as in central Zambézia. Furthermore, the cyclone’s impact extends to the education sector as it has disrupted the lives of 17,401 students, affected 264 teachers, and damaged 59 schools and 181 classrooms.
The cyclone made landfall early Monday, packing winds of 140 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 195 kilometers per hour. Meteorologist Manuel Francisco from the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) indicated that shortly thereafter, it regressed into a severe tropical storm, with potential fluctuations to moderate and severe storms over the next days.
Currently, Mozambique is navigating its rainy season from October to April, which has already witnessed the destructive effects of cyclones Chido and Dikeledi that hit the country between December and January. Those cyclones significantly impacted Cabo Delgado and Nampula, displacing approximately 736,000 individuals and damaging various infrastructures.
From 2019 to 2023, extreme weather events, including cyclones and storms, have led to a tragic count of at least 1,016 deaths across Mozambique, affecting around 4.9 million residents. The country faces continuous challenges from global climate change, frequently experiencing devastating floods and cyclones as well as prolonged droughts during the rainy season.
In summary, Frelimo’s call for increased governmental assistance highlights the urgent need for support for those afflicted by Tropical Cyclone Jude. The cyclone has caused significant casualties and disruptions, particularly within the education sector in Mozambique. The recurring pattern of cyclonic events exacerbated by climate change underscores the necessity for robust disaster management strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
