Tropical Cyclone Jude has brought severe weather to southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, displacing thousands and leaving significant damage without any reported fatalities. Humanitarian efforts face challenges due to infrastructure damage, while injury reports have emerged from collapsed structures. The cyclone is expected to dissipate soon, though flooding remains a concern.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly impacted southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, without resulting in any fatalities. Widespread damage has been reported, leaving many people homeless and some areas without electrical power. Aid agencies have initiated relief efforts; however, access remains challenging due to washed-away roads.
After making landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday and moving across southern Malawi, the cyclone brought heavy rainfall to 13 districts between Monday and Wednesday. A preliminary assessment from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicated that over 11,000 individuals had been affected, with many crops lost and properties destroyed or flooded.
The cyclone has displaced more than 3,000 residents, who are now in six evacuation camps. While no deaths have been recorded, 15 individuals, including two young boys aged 5 and 8, were injured due to collapsing buildings. Chipiliro Khamula, a spokesperson for the disaster management department, reported that medical assistance is ongoing.
Rescue efforts continue, particularly for three individuals who went missing on Tuesday after their boat capsized in flooded regions. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that efforts in Mozambique were impeded by washed-out roads and bridges, severely affecting relief operations. Access to Nampula province remains a challenge, especially after the storm damaged the N1 national highway.
In Malawi, relief operations commenced in accessible areas, with organizations like the World Food Program (WFP) distributing supplies in Mulanje district. Simon Denhere, WFP’s acting country director, highlighted the establishment of emergency kits and equipment to support rapid responses.
Lucy Mtilatila, director of Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, stated that Cyclone Jude has moved towards Mozambique and is expected to dissipate soon, while acknowledging ongoing flood concerns. She remarked that imminent rainfall is unlikely to result in significant impacts. Cyclone Jude is the third cyclone to hit Mozambique within three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused substantial damage in Malawi and Mozambique, affecting thousands of residents, displacing many, and resulting in some injuries, but no casualties. Relief efforts are underway, albeit hindered by damaged infrastructure. The cyclone is projected to dissipate, yet concerns regarding floods remain. This event reflects the increasing frequency of severe weather events affecting the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
