Cyclone Jude has caused 16 deaths and affected over 302,000 people in Mozambique. The INGD reports extensive damage to homes, schools, and health facilities across multiple provinces. This disaster highlights the country’s vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather events during the rainy season.
Cyclone Jude has devastated Mozambique, causing the deaths of 16 individuals and impacting over 302,000 people. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) reported these figures, which include 65,164 families affected, and indicate that two people remain missing. This disaster has affected multiple provinces, including Tete, Manica, Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.
The destruction from Cyclone Jude is extensive, with reports of 70,163 homes completely or partially destroyed, 988 homes flooded, and significant damage to infrastructure. Specifically, 134 places of worship, 247 schools and 674 classrooms have been impacted, affecting 91,629 students and 1,182 educators. Other infrastructure damage includes 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and 101,239 agricultural areas.
Health services have suffered as well, with 72 health facilities destroyed and additional damage to public buildings and water supply systems. The cyclone has also affected transportation networks, damaging 2,859 kilometers of roads and destroying 1,224 electrical poles.
This cyclone occurs during Mozambique’s rainy season, which extends from October to April. Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi have already made landfall in the north of the country, exacerbating the situation. Historical data indicates that cyclones have had a severe impact, with around 736,000 people affected between December last year and January this year, showcasing the ongoing vulnerability of the region.
From 2019 to 2023, extreme weather events, including cyclones and storms, have resulted in 1,016 fatalities and impacted around 4.9 million individuals in Mozambique. The country is significantly affected by climate change, confronting both cyclical flooding and drought conditions.
Cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on Mozambique, with significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure and communities. As the country grapples with the consequences, it underscores the ongoing threat of climate change and its recurring extreme weather events. The challenging rainy season reveals the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience measures in Mozambique.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
