Cyclone Jude has resulted in 14 deaths and 60 injuries in Mozambique. The cyclone destroyed over 7,000 homes and damaged critical infrastructure, including schools and health units. Efforts to assess damage and establish alternative transport routes are ongoing, with significant repair costs anticipated as the cyclone moves into Madagascar and the Indian Ocean.
The official death toll from Cyclone Jude in Mozambique has reached 14, as confirmed by the Minister of State Administration, Inocencio Impissa. An additional 60 individuals have sustained injuries due to the cyclone’s impact, which primarily affected northern and central regions of the country. The fatalities were largely caused by house collapses, lightning strikes, and drowning incidents, and authorities worry the toll may rise as more information emerges from remote areas.
The cyclone has led to significant destruction, with 7,041 homes destroyed and 13,139 homes damaged. Additionally, 30 health facilities and 182 classrooms across 59 schools have been impacted, affecting 17,401 students and 264 teachers. The main access routes to Nampula province suffered damage, although light vehicle traffic has resumed between Nampula city and other northern areas by Friday afternoon.
Cyclone damage was particularly severe on the north-south highway (EN1), which experienced a significant washout approximately 15 kilometers from Nampula city. A diversion has been constructed to allow light vehicles to continue using this route, but heavy trucks are restricted. Minister of Transport and Logistics, Joao Matlombe, indicated that the repair costs for critical road stretches could reach 800 million meticais (around 12.5 million dollars).
The Minister emphasized the importance of establishing alternative routes for vehicular traffic, especially where bridges were destroyed. In areas inaccessible by road, authorities are utilizing boats to deliver necessary assistance to affected households. Cyclone Jude also downed 19 electricity pylons and inundated 1,262 hectares of farmland.
Efforts are ongoing to assess the full extent of the cyclone’s impacts, with multi-sector response teams deployed to the affected districts. Nine temporary shelters have been set up in Nampula, accommodating approximately 1,985 displaced individuals. Contrary to initial predictions, the cyclone veered away from Malawi, traversing Zambezia province before heading towards Madagascar, where it made landfall on Saturday. It is expected to move into the Indian Ocean and pose no further threat to Mozambique.
Cyclone Jude has caused significant devastation in Mozambique, with a current death toll of 14 and injuries affecting 60 others. The destruction includes thousands of homes, educational facilities, and healthcare units. Repair costs are estimated to be substantial, with recovery efforts ongoing in the wake of the cyclone’s impact. Thankfully, Jude has shifted direction, posing no further risk to Mozambique as it moves towards Madagascar and the Indian Ocean.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
