Tropical Cyclone Jude Strikes Southern Africa, Causing Damage but No Fatalities
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted Malawi and Mozambique, causing significant damage while resulting in no deaths. Over 11,000 people were affected, with many displaced and relief efforts hindered by damaged infrastructure. Injuries were reported, and rescue operations are ongoing for missing individuals. Aid agencies are mobilizing resources to assist those in need.
Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, primarily affecting Malawi and Mozambique without causing any fatalities. The cyclone brought widespread destruction, displacing thousands and leaving many without electricity. Aid organizations faced challenges distributing relief due to washed-away roads, impeding access to affected areas.
The storm struck northern Mozambique early Sunday and proceeded over southern Malawi, delivering heavy rainfall across 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs reported that over 11,000 individuals were affected, with substantial crop loss and property damage due to flooding.
The cyclone has displaced more than 3,000 people, who are currently housed in six evacuation camps. While no fatalities were recorded, 15 individuals were injured during the storm, including two young boys who were hospitalized due to collapsed buildings. Efforts to locate three missing individuals from a capsized boat are ongoing in Nsanje and Phalombe districts.
In Mozambique, relief operations have been hindered by access issues in Nampula province, where critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, was severely damaged. The United Nations highlighted the difficulties in transporting relief goods and personnel due to the storm’s impact on the N1 national highway.
In Malawi, the government and international aid organizations initiated relief operations in areas that remained accessible. The World Food Program facilitated the distribution of supplies in Mulanje district, having prepared necessary resources in advance, indicating their readiness to respond rapidly to such emergencies.
Lucy Mtilatila from Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services indicated that Cyclone Jude had moved into Mozambique and was anticipated to dissipate soon. Although concerns about flooding linger, she noted that any additional impact from ongoing rains would be minimal. This cyclone marks the third such natural disaster to hit Mozambique within a span of three months.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused extensive damage in Malawi and Mozambique, displacing thousands yet thankfully resulting in no reported fatalities. Aid efforts are underway, albeit hampered by infrastructure damage. The continuing challenge remains to provide relief and support for those affected, while authorities keep a watchful eye on potential flooding as the situation evolves.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
