Tropical Cyclone Jude Causes Widespread Damage in Malawi and Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Malawi and Mozambique, causing significant damage but no fatalities. Over 11,000 people were affected, with many displaced and in evacuation camps. Relief efforts are challenging due to washed-away roads and damaged infrastructure, but operations are underway. The cyclone marks the third such event in Mozambique in recent months.

Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, specifically Malawi and Mozambique, without causing any fatalities but resulting in significant damage. Thousands of individuals have been rendered homeless, with some areas lacking electricity as aid agencies face challenges in providing assistance due to washed-away roads.

The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique early Sunday before moving into southern Malawi, leading to heavy rainfall across 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. Preliminary assessments by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed that over 11,000 people have been affected, as many experienced crop destruction and damage to their homes and properties.

According to the assessment, more than 3,000 people have been displaced and are currently sheltered in six evacuation camps. While there have been no reported deaths, the disaster management department noted that collapsing structures injured 15 individuals, including two young boys aged 5 and 8. Chipiliro Khamula, a spokesperson for the department, stated that the children are receiving medical care at local hospitals following the incident.

Rescue operations continue for three individuals who went missing in Nsanje and Phalombe districts after their boat capsized on a flooded river. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted the difficulties faced in Mozambique, where access to thousands of citizens in Nampula province was hindered by destroyed infrastructure, including roads and bridges.

The United Nations agency further explained that delivering assistance from Cabo Delgado province to Nampula has been complicated due to the storm’s disruption of the N1 national highway. However, relief efforts have commenced in Malawi’s accessible regions, with the World Food Program distributing supplies in Mulanje district.

Simon Denhere, acting country director for WFP in Malawi, indicated that food supplies and emergency kits were prepositioned with UK government support to ensure a rapid response to the unfolding situation. Lucy Mtilatila, director of Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, shared that Cyclone Jude has moved into Mozambique and is expected to dissipate soon. She remarked that the immediate threat is diminishing, albeit the risk of flooding persists, though its potential impact may be minimal.

It is notable that Cyclone Jude marks the third cyclone to affect Mozambique within a three-month period, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi in December and January, respectively.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has brought extensive damage to parts of Malawi and Mozambique without any fatalities, although over 11,000 people have been impacted and more than 3,000 displaced. Aid agencies are undertaking relief efforts amid significant logistical challenges caused by infrastructure damage. The immediate threat of the cyclone is subsiding, even as concerns about flooding remain. This recent event underscores the increasing frequency of severe weather events in the region.

Original Source: www.voanews.com