Frelimo has urged the Mozambican government to enhance support for victims of Cyclone Jude, which has resulted in six fatalities and significant disruption to education and infrastructure. Meteorologists report the cyclone’s impact during the ongoing rainy season raises concerns for future storms. Mozambique continues to face severe weather challenges due to climate change.
The Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) has urged the national government to enhance support for those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jude, which struck the country on Monday. This cyclone has resulted in the unfortunate deaths of six individuals. Frelimo’s Political Commission spokesperson, Ludmila Maguni, emphasized the need for improved assistance and the implementation of safety measures through the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD).
The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) report indicates that Cyclone Jude has injured at least 20 people and affected over 9,525 individuals across the provinces of Nampula, Niassa, and Zambézia. The tropical cyclone, which made landfall with winds reaching 140 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 195 kilometers per hour, also disrupted the education system, affecting 17,401 students, 264 teachers, 59 schools, and 181 classrooms.
Meteorologist Manuel Francisco from the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) reported that Cyclone Jude, after entering Mozambique, reverted to a severe tropical storm, which has the potential to fluctuate between moderate and severe intensity over the following days. The cyclone struck during Mozambique’s rainy season, which lasts from October to April and has already seen other cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi, impacting the northern regions of the country between December and January.
The prior cyclones caused significant damage, impacting approximately 736,000 residents and destroying essential infrastructure in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces. Extreme weather events, including cyclones, have claimed at least 1,016 lives in Mozambique from 2019 to 2023, affecting nearly 4.9 million individuals. The country faces significant challenges due to global climate change, routinely experiencing flooding and drought conditions in the rainy season.
In conclusion, the call for increased assistance by Frelimo highlights the urgent needs of Cyclone Jude’s victims. With significant casualties and extensive damage reported, it is essential for the Mozambican government to respond effectively. The ongoing impact of climate change continues to challenge Mozambique, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate future risks associated with cyclones and severe weather events.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
