Cyclone Jude has claimed 16 lives and affected over 302,000 people in Mozambique, according to the INGD. The cyclone caused extensive infrastructure damage, including the destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities. Mozambique’s ongoing rainy season has already seen multiple cyclones, highlighting the nation’s vulnerability to climate change.
Cyclone Jude has tragically claimed 16 lives and impacted over 302,000 individuals in Mozambique, as reported by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The updated figures indicate that two people remain missing, with affected individuals totaling 302,653 and families at 65,164. The cyclone’s destructive reach extends across the provinces of Tete and Manica, alongside Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.
The INGD’s report, updated through Friday, reveals that 70,163 houses were completely or partially destroyed. Additionally, 988 houses were flooded, and 134 places of worship were damaged. The educational sector has also suffered greatly, with 247 schools and 674 classrooms impacted, affecting approximately 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Furthermore, Cyclone Jude has devastated 18 bridges and 41 aqueducts, while also impacting 101,239 agricultural areas.
The cyclone has led to the destruction of at least 72 health facilities and two public structures, alongside damage to 68 vessels and eight affected supply systems. Notably, 1,224 electrical poles were overturned, impacting 2,859 kilometers of roads, with 671.6 kilometers suffering damage. During the rainy season, which lasts from October to April, Mozambique has already endured other cyclones, including Chido and Dikeledi, which have severely affected the northern regions of the country.
Historically, Cyclones caused substantial devastation, with over 1,016 fatalities between 2019 and 2023 and impacting around 4.9 million individuals, as per data from the National Institute of Statistics. Mozambique faces significant challenges from global climate change, frequently experiencing severe flooding, tropical cyclones, and extended droughts, making it one of the most vulnerable nations.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has inflicted serious damage and loss in Mozambique, resulting in 16 fatalities and affecting over 302,000 people. The extensive destruction includes significant impacts on infrastructure, education, and healthcare, exacerbating the challenges the country faces amid ongoing climatic adversity. Mozambique continues to grapple with the consequences of climate change, as evidenced by its struggle against recurring extreme weather events.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
