Mozambique: Cyclone Jude Causes 14 Deaths and Extensive Damage

Cyclone Jude has resulted in 14 fatalities and 60 injuries in Mozambique. The cyclone destroyed over 7,000 homes and damaged key infrastructure, including schools. Repair costs may reach 800 million meticais, while alternative routes are being established for transport. The cyclone’s path shifted away from Malawi and is now heading towards the Indian Ocean, reducing threats to Mozambique.

The death toll resulting from Cyclone Jude, which impacted northern and central Mozambique, has reached 14, as reported by government spokesperson Inocencio Impissa. Following a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Maputo, he indicated that there were 60 reported injuries, with the primary causes of deaths being house collapses, lightning strikes, and drowning. This number may increase as more information comes in from remote areas that have suffered significant damage.

Impassa disclosed that the cyclone has not only destroyed 7,041 houses but also damaged 13,139 others. Key infrastructure has been severely affected, with 30 health units and 182 classrooms across 59 schools damaged, impacting approximately 17,401 pupils and 264 teachers. He noted that while access roads into Nampula province were damaged, light vehicle traffic had resumed by Friday.

While the primary highway, EN1, was cut off, a diversion route has been established to facilitate light vehicle movement. Minister of Transport and Logistics, Joao Matlombe, assessed the damages, estimating that 800 million meticais (around 12.5 million dollars) would be required for repairs on six critical road segments identified by the National Roads Administration (ANE). He acknowledged that further assessments might reveal the necessity for more complex repair work, especially concerning Nampula’s bridges.

The cyclone also caused extensive power outages by downing 19 electricity pylons and inundating 1,262 hectares of farmland. Impissa stated that assessment efforts are ongoing, supported by multi-sector teams in the affected areas. As a response to the cyclone, nine accommodation centers have been established in Nampula, providing shelter for 1,985 displaced individuals as of Saturday.

Contrary to initial expectations, the cyclone did not move west into Malawi but shifted course through Zambezia province before heading back into the Mozambique Channel. By Saturday morning, Jude made landfall in southern Madagascar, and its path suggests it will move into the Indian Ocean, thereby posing no further threat to Mozambique.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has caused significant destruction in northern and central Mozambique, leading to 14 confirmed deaths and injuries to 60 individuals. The cyclone has severely impacted infrastructure, including housing, schools, and roads. As recovery efforts continue, the government faces the challenge of estimating repair costs and restoring accessibility, while also ensuring the safety and support of those displaced. Fortunately, the storm’s path has diverted away from Mozambique, reducing future risks.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com