Tropical Cyclone Jude has recently struck Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage without any reported fatalities. Thousands are homeless, and aid distribution struggles with damaged roads. Preliminary reports indicate over 11,000 people have been affected, with injuries reported due to collapses. Emergency relief efforts are underway despite accessibility challenges.
Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, causing significant damage but, fortunately, no fatalities. Officials reported that the cyclone left thousands homeless, with many areas experiencing power outages. The distribution of aid has been challenged by damaged infrastructure, particularly washed-away roads, complicating relief efforts for those in need.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique, subsequently affecting southern Malawi, where it brought substantial rainfall across 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. A preliminary assessment by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed that over 11,000 residents had been affected, with many losing crops or experiencing destruction and flooding of their homes.
Approximately 3,000 individuals have been displaced to six evacuation camps. While no deaths have been reported, injuries were sustained by 15 individuals due to collapsing buildings, including two young boys, ages 5 and 8. Chipiliro Khamula, spokesperson for the disaster management department, confirmed that the young boys are currently receiving medical attention at local hospitals.
Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate three individuals missing after their boat capsized in flooded waters in the Nsanje and Phalombe districts. In Mozambique, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicated that relief operations were severely limited as main access routes, such as roads and bridges, were destroyed, particularly in Nampula province.
Relief efforts in Malawi have commenced in accessible areas, with organizations like the World Food Program actively distributing supplies. Simon Denhere, the acting country director of WFP, emphasized the collaboration with the UK government to pre-position essential supplies for rapid response to the cyclone’s aftermath.
Cyclone Jude has since moved into Mozambique and is expected to dissipate. However, Lucy Mtilatila from Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services cautioned that residual flooding remains a concern. Cyclone Jude is notably the third cyclone to impact Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has notably affected Malawi and Mozambique without causing any fatalities, although it has displaced thousands and resulted in significant property damage and injuries. Relief efforts face challenges due to compromised transport infrastructure, yet organizations are making strides to provide assistance. The cyclone is expected to dissipate, although potential flooding remains a concern.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
