Tropical Cyclone Jude hit Malawi and Mozambique this week, causing extensive damage but no deaths. The cyclone displaced over 3,000 people and injured 15. Relief efforts are complicated by washed-away infrastructure, while assessments indicate significant crop and property destruction.
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted southern Africa this week, particularly affecting Malawi and Mozambique. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, although significant damage occurred, leaving many homeless and causing power outages. Aid agencies faced challenges in delivering assistance due to washed-away roads, complicating relief efforts in the affected areas.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique early Sunday before moving to southern Malawi, where heavy rains influenced 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicated that over 11,000 people were affected, with damages to crops and homes due to flooding. Additionally, more than 3,000 individuals were displaced, currently housed in six evacuation camps.
Although there were no reported deaths, 15 people sustained injuries from collapsing structures, including two young boys who are receiving medical attention. Rescue teams are searching for three missing individuals who capsized in a boat in flooded river areas.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that relief operations in Mozambique were severely hindered due to inaccessible roadways following the cyclone. The storm also disrupted connections between Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, isolating critical roadways essential for aid delivery.
In Malawi, both the government and international organizations began to conduct relief operations in reachable areas. The World Food Program distributed aid in Mulanje district, supported by pre-positioned supplies coordinated with the UK government to ensure a quick response.
Malawi’s meteorological services chief, Lucy Mtilatila, provided updates indicating that the cyclone had transitioned into Mozambique and was anticipated to dissipate. While the immediate cyclone threat diminished, potential flood risks persist, though the additional rainfall is expected to cause minimal impact.
Cyclone Jude marks the third severe weather event affecting Mozambique in three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, as Malawi faced Chido’s effects while avoiding Dikeledi’s.
Cyclone Jude has inflicted substantial damage in southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, albeit without causing any fatalities. The aftermath involved widespread displacement, significant property loss, and injury among residents. Relief efforts are ongoing, though hindered by infrastructure challenges. Moving forward, authorities remain vigilant against potential flooding despite diminishing cyclone threats.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
