Cyclone Jude has claimed 16 lives and impacted over 302,000 individuals in Mozambique. The cyclone caused widespread destruction, affecting homes, schools, health facilities, and agricultural land. Mozambique is facing ongoing challenges from extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals in Mozambique and has impacted over 302,000 residents, as per the latest official report. This update was released by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), indicating at least two persons remain missing.
The affected population now totals 302,653, encompassing 65,164 families across the provinces of Tete and Manica, in addition to Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado. Furthermore, the destruction includes 70,163 houses that are either totally or partially demolished, alongside 988 flooded homes and damage to 134 places of worship.
In the educational sector, Cyclone Jude adversely affected 247 schools and 674 classrooms, consequently impacting 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Additionally, 18 bridges and 41 aqueducts were compromised, while 101,239 agricultural areas suffered damage.
Moreover, the cyclone caused significant destruction to health infrastructure, with at least 72 health units and two public buildings affected. Other damages include 68 vessels, eight disrupted supply systems, and the destruction of 1,224 electrical poles. Infrastructural challenges are further characterized by 2,859 kilometers of roads impacted and 671.6 kilometers severely damaged.
Mozambique is currently enduring its rainy season, which lasts from October to April, and has already faced Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi during this period. From December last year to January, cyclones had previously hit the northern regions, impacting approximately 736,000 individuals and resulting in widespread damage to both public and private infrastructure.
From 2019 to 2023, extreme weather events such as cyclones and storms are reported to have led to at least 1,016 deaths and affected nearly 4.9 million individuals in Mozambique. The nation is recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, regularly experiencing floods and tropical cyclones during the rainy season, alongside challenging drought conditions.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on Mozambique, resulting in 16 fatalities and affecting over 302,000 people. The extensive damage includes the destruction of homes, schools, health facilities, and agricultural areas. Mozambique continues to grapple with the challenges posed by extreme weather events linked to climate change, highlighting its vulnerability to such natural disasters.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
