Cyclone Jude has resulted in 16 fatalities and over 302,000 people affected in Mozambique. The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management reports extensive destruction, including damage to homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. Mozambique’s rainy season has intensified the impact of cyclones, with significant infrastructure losses recorded in recent years due to climate change effects.
Cyclone Jude has devastated Mozambique, leading to the loss of 16 lives and impacting over 302,000 individuals, as per the latest update by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The report also indicates that at least two individuals remain missing, with 302,653 people and 65,164 families affected across several provinces, including Tete, Manica, Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.
The INGD’s latest figures highlight extensive destruction, with 70,163 houses either completely or partially destroyed, alongside 988 flooded homes and 134 damaged places of worship. Additionally, 247 schools and 674 classrooms have been impacted, affecting 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Infrastructure damage includes 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and agricultural areas covering 101,239 hectares.
Moreover, at least 72 healthcare facilities and two public buildings have suffered damage, with numerous vessels and electrical infrastructure affected. The severe weather has impacted 2,859 kilometers of roads and caused significant electrical disruptions, with 1,224 electrical poles overturned.
Currently, Mozambique is enduring its rainy season, which spans from October to April, during which it has experienced multiple cyclones, including Chido and Dikeledi. Previous cyclones between December of the last year and January significantly affected Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, with approximately 736,000 people impacted and substantial infrastructure losses recorded.
Data from 2019 to 2023 reveals that extreme weather events, including cyclones and storms, have caused at least 1,016 fatalities in Mozambique, affecting an estimated 4.9 million individuals. As one of the nations most vulnerable to climate change, Mozambique frequently grapples with floods and tropical cyclones during the rainy season, in addition to experiencing prolonged droughts.
Cyclone Jude has profoundly impacted Mozambique, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to climatic disasters. The recent casualties and significant infrastructure damage illustrate the ongoing challenges faced by the nation during the rainy season. With severe weather events historically causing widespread destruction, Mozambique’s situation highlights the urgent need for enduring solutions to combat the effects of climate change.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
