Tropical Cyclone Jude has impacted Malawi and Mozambique, causing significant damage without any fatalities. Thousands are homeless, with many suffering from injuries due to collapsing buildings. Aid efforts are complicated by washed-out infrastructure, but relief operations are being initiated. The cyclone has moved on to Mozambique, where it is expected to dissipate.
Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, causing significant destruction yet fortunately resulting in no fatalities. Thousands have been rendered homeless, and numerous regions are experiencing power outages. Aid has been hindered by washed-out roads, complicating relief efforts.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique and advanced through southern Malawi, unleashing heavy rains across 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. According to Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs, over 11,000 individuals have been affected, with many losing crops and property to flooding. More than 3,000 people remain displaced, currently residing in six evacuation centers.
While no deaths have been reported, the cyclone caused injuries to 15 individuals, including two young boys, due to collapsing buildings. Chipiliro Khamula, a spokesperson from the disaster management department, highlighted the critical condition of the injured, stating that medical assistance was being provided at local hospitals. Rescuers continue to search for three individuals missing after a boat capsized on a flooded river.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that relief operations in Mozambique are severely restricted due to infrastructural damage, particularly in Nampula province, where essential transportation routes have been rendered unusable. Additionally, the storm disrupted access from Cabo Delgado province to Nampula, further complicating rescue and aid efforts.
In Malawi, relief operations have commenced in areas that are accessible. The World Food Programme has begun distributing essential supplies, aided by the UK government’s support. Simon Denhere, the WFP’s acting country director, confirmed that prepositioned food supplies and rescue equipment were deployed to facilitate rapid response operations.
Lucy Mtilatila of Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services noted that Cyclone Jude has now moved into Mozambique, where it is expected to dissipate. She indicated that while flooding remains a concern, the impact of ensuing rains should be minimal. Cyclone Jude marks the third such event to affect Mozambique in just three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has wreaked havoc across Malawi and Mozambique without resulting in any deaths. While the destruction has led to extensive homelessness and power outages, local authorities and international agencies are working diligently to provide aid. Challenges remain in reaching affected individuals due to infrastructural damage, but relief efforts are ongoing, highlighting the resilience and commitment of the affected communities and assisting organizations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
