Cyclone Jude Devastates East Africa, Leaving 17 Dead and Thousands Displaced
Cyclone Jude has claimed 17 lives, affecting at least 400,000 people across East Africa. The cyclone first hit Madagascar and later Mozambique, causing severe flooding and infrastructure damage. The U.N. has noted significant displacement, power outages, and destruction to schools and homes, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
Cyclone Jude has tragically led to the deaths of 17 individuals, with 16 fatalities reported in Mozambique and one in Madagascar. The latest report from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) indicates over 130 injuries and four individuals missing as of March 18. Approximately 10,500 people were displaced in Madagascar and nearly 5,000 in Malawi, affecting at least 400,000 across the three nations involved.
The cyclone initially made landfall in northern Madagascar on March 8, resulting in the displacement of many who sought refuge in temporary shelters, as reported by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). After intensifying over the Mozambique Channel, Cyclone Jude hit Mozambique’s coastal district Mossuril in Nampula province on March 10, delivering winds of up to 140 kph and gusts reaching 195 kph, along with significant rainfall that triggered severe flooding.
In Mozambique, the cyclone caused significant destruction, with flights canceled or delayed and 900 homes destroyed. The World Food Programme reported the flooding of nearly 50,000 hectares of cropland in Monapo, Nampula. An outbreak of cholera was observed in Larde, according to OCHA. Furthermore, over 400,000 residents in Nampula experienced power outages due to the storm’s effects.
Prior to Cyclone Jude’s approach, the U.N. Central Emergency Response Fund allocated $6 million for early warning systems, shelter aids, and sanitation supplies. Between March 10 and 12, the cyclone moved through Malawi, bringing additional heavy rainfall before returning to Mozambique. As of March 18, OCHA noted the destruction of 70,000 homes, 247 schools, 72 health facilities, and various water systems and infrastructure throughout Mozambique.
Cyclone Jude is recognized as the third storm to strike Mozambique in under three months, following Chido and Dikeledi. After making landfall in Madagascar again on March 15, a significant impact was reported on educational infrastructure, with 89 classrooms destroyed and thousands of students unable to attend school. OCHA highlighted that this incident marked the first occurrence of a potent weather system traversing the entire southern region of Madagascar, leaving numerous districts inaccessible for humanitarian aid delivery.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has caused extensive loss of life and significant displacement across East Africa, particularly in Mozambique and Madagascar. The destructive forces of the cyclone resulted in widespread infrastructure damage, flooding, and disruption of essential services, including education and healthcare. As emergency responses are underway, the urgent needs of affected populations remain a priority for humanitarian organizations.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
