Cyclone Jude’s Devastating Impact on Mozambique: 16 Dead and Over…

Cyclone Jude has resulted in 16 deaths and affected over 302,000 individuals in Mozambique. Notable damage includes the destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities. The region, which faces multiple cyclones annually, is confronting severe impacts from climate change, significantly affecting its population and infrastructure.

Recent reports indicate that Cyclone Jude has led to the deaths of 16 individuals in Mozambique and affected over 302,000 people. These figures were provided by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), which also noted two individuals remain missing. The total number of affected individuals rose to 302,653, equating to 65,164 families across several provinces, including Tete, Manica, Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.

The disaster has resulted in significant structural damage, with the INGD reporting that 70,163 houses were either totally or partially destroyed. Additionally, 988 homes experienced flooding, along with 134 places of worship being affected. The educational sector faced disruptions, with 247 schools and 674 classrooms impacted, affecting 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Infrastructure suffered as well, including the destruction of 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and 101,239 agricultural areas.

Health services were also severely impacted, with the destruction of at least 72 health units and damage to two additional public buildings. Other notable damage included 68 vessels, eight affected water supply systems, 1,224 overturned electrical poles, and significant damage to 2,859 kilometers of roads, with 671.6 kilometers being particularly affected.

Mozambique is currently experiencing its rainy season, which lasts from October to April, during which it has already weathered cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. The preceding months saw cyclones that collectively impacted around 736,000 individuals, mostly affecting Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Data from the National Institute of Statistics reveals that climatic events resulted in at least 1,016 fatalities in Mozambique between 2019 and 2023 and adversely impacted approximately 4.9 million people.

This region’s struggle with extreme weather phenomena, such as cyclones and storms, underscores its vulnerability to global climate change. The country frequently experiences floods and tropical storms during the rainy season, which are often accompanied by extended periods of severe drought.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on Mozambique, causing fatalities, displacing over 302,000 individuals, and leading to extensive infrastructural damage. The findings underscore the challenges the country faces due to climate change, highlighting the urgency for improved disaster management strategies to mitigate future risks. The pervasive effects of previous cyclones illustrate the ongoing struggle for resilience against natural disasters in the region.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com