The arrival of Cyclone Jude in Mozambique poses a heightened risk of waterborne diseases, particularly for children. UNICEF is mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact, but the humanitarian response is strained due to prior cyclones and ongoing crises. The cyclone is projected to travel southwest across northern Mozambique until March 12, complicating the situation further.
Cyclone Jude’s arrival has raised severe concerns regarding public health in Mozambique, particularly among children. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warns that floods significantly increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and malaria. The provinces affected are densely populated with children, amplifying the cyclone’s impact.
In response to the disaster, UNICEF is working diligently to provide essential supplies to the affected communities while maintaining safety in emergency shelters. Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique early Monday, bringing winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour and causing destruction near Nacala in Nampula province.
The Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework for Cyclones activated proactive interventions, enabling swift financial support from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). This funding allowed humanitarian organizations to initiate relief efforts three days before the cyclone’s impact, addressing immediate needs.
Despite these efforts, the humanitarian response faces significant strains, exacerbated by the ongoing recovery from Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi, which struck in December and January, respectively. Additionally, the country faces high levels of cholera outbreaks, food insecurity, social unrest, and ongoing conflicts, complicating relief efforts.
As Cyclone Jude continues its path southwest through northern Mozambique and approaches the southern Malawi border until early March 12, the humanitarian situation remains precarious due to a contraction in global funding for necessary resources.
Cyclone Jude has intensified the risk of waterborne diseases in Mozambique, particularly affecting children in heavily populated regions. UNICEF is proactively addressing these challenges by mobilizing resources and support. However, the already strained humanitarian infrastructure struggles to cope with the compounded threats from previous cyclones and existing public health crises. The situation remains critical as the cyclone’s trajectory continues to unfold.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
