Tropical Cyclone Jude Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands in Southern Africa
Tropical Cyclone Jude has led to nine fatalities in Mozambique and Malawi, with significant flooding causing displacement of thousands. Relief operations are hindered by destruction of infrastructure.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, as reported by officials on Thursday. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) in Mozambique noted that six fatalities occurred in the provinces of Nampula and Niasa, alongside 20 injuries and the displacement of 9,525 people. In Mozambique’s central province of Zambezia, similar challenges were faced due to the cyclone’s impact.
In Malawi, the situation is equally dire, with reports indicating three fatalities and approximately 20,000 individuals left homeless as a result of severe flooding in the southern region. Chiphiliro Khamula, the spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in Malawi, stated that the displaced persons are currently being housed in evacuation centers.
The cyclone made its landfall in northern Mozambique early Sunday and subsequently moved into southern Malawi, causing significant flooding from Monday to Wednesday. Unfortunately, relief efforts are being obstructed by the destruction of roads and bridges, which have been washed away, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
This catastrophe is reminiscent of last December’s Cyclone Chido, which also affected both Mozambique and Malawi, resulting in the deaths of 73 individuals in Mozambique and 13 in Malawi. The reoccurrence of such disasters highlights the need for improved disaster preparedness and response.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused considerable devastation in Mozambique and Malawi, claiming at least nine lives and displacing thousands. The affected areas face significant challenges, including access for relief operations hindered by infrastructural damage. The recurrence of cyclones in the region raises concerns about the adequacy of disaster response measures. Continued support and improvements in disaster management are essential to mitigate future impacts.
Original Source: news.az
