Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Malawi and Mozambique, causing extensive damage but no deaths. Thousands were left homeless, with many injured from collapsing structures. Relief efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure, though aid agencies are mobilizing resources. The cyclone is expected to dissipate soon, minimizing further threats.
Tropical Cyclone Jude impacted southern Africa recently, bringing significant damage to Malawi and Mozambique without any reported fatalities. Thousands are now homeless, and power outages are widespread. Aid distribution has faced challenges, particularly due to washed-out roads, complicating relief efforts in the affected regions.
The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday and traversed southern Malawi, resulting in heavy rainfall across 13 districts from Monday to Wednesday. A preliminary report from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicates over 11,000 individuals have been impacted, with significant losses to crops, homes, and property.
The disaster led to the displacement of over 3,000 people who are currently residing in six evacuation camps. Despite no deaths being reported, 15 individuals have sustained injuries from collapsing buildings, including two young boys who are receiving medical care. Efforts are underway to locate three individuals who were reported missing after their boat capsized.
In Mozambique, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that relief operations are hindered by washed-away roads and infrastructure damage in Nampula province, making it difficult to reach affected populations. Efforts to deliver relief from Cabo Delgado to Nampula are also significantly impacted, as the storm has compromised the N1 national highway.
International aid agencies, alongside the Malawian government, have begun relief operations in regions that remain accessible. The World Food Program, in collaboration with the UK government, has prepositioned necessary supplies such as food, emergency kits, and operational equipment for timely response efforts in affected areas.
Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services noted that Cyclone Jude has now moved out of Malawi and into Mozambique, where it is expected to dissipate shortly. Flooding presents an ongoing concern, but further impacts from the current rains are expected to be minimal, according to officials. Jude is the third cyclone to strike Mozambique in a short period, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused extensive damage in Malawi and Mozambique, displacing thousands and leading to infrastructure challenges that hinder relief efforts. Although there have been no fatalities, injuries have occurred due to collapsing structures. As response initiatives unfold, the threat from the cyclone is diminishing, though flooding remains a concern for the regions affected.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
