Cyclone Jude has resulted in 16 fatalities and impacted over 302,000 people in Mozambique, with extensive damage to housing, schools, and healthcare facilities. The cyclone has also damaged bridges, roads, and agricultural areas amidst ongoing challenges from climate change.
Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals in Mozambique, impacting over 302,000 people as per the latest report from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). The updated statistics reveal that two individuals are currently reported missing, with a total of 302,653 individuals affected across various provinces, including Tete and Manica, in addition to Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.
Further data from the INGD indicates that at least 70,163 houses have been either completely or partially destroyed by the cyclone. In addition, 988 homes were reported flooded, alongside 134 places of worship that have been impacted. The education sector has also suffered, with 247 schools and 674 classrooms affected, impacting 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Furthermore, 18 bridges, 41 aqueducts, and approximately 101,239 agricultural areas have been damaged due to Cyclone Jude.
The destruction extends to healthcare and public infrastructure as well, with at least 72 health facilities destroyed and two other public buildings affected. The storm has also impacted 68 vessels, disrupted eight supply systems, and resulted in 1,224 electrical poles being overturned. Over 2,859 kilometres of roads have been affected, with 671.6 kilometres of those sustaining significant damage.
Mozambique is currently experiencing its rainy season, which typically lasts from October to April, and has already experienced the effects of Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi earlier this season. Previous cyclones have struck the northern regions of the country from December to January, with significant implications for the provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, which reported impacts on approximately 736,000 individuals and extensive damage to both public and private infrastructure.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, extreme weather events, including cyclones and storms, contributed to at least 1,016 fatalities in Mozambique between 2019 and 2023, affecting around 4.9 million people. As a nation, Mozambique is acknowledged as one of the hardest-hit countries by global climate change, frequently confronting floods, tropical cyclones, and prolonged droughts during its rainy season.
The devastation caused by Cyclone Jude in Mozambique has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread disruption affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. With heavy damage reported across multiple sectors including housing, education, and healthcare infrastructure, the country continues to face challenges exacerbated by climate change. The ongoing rainy season may present further threats as Mozambique combats the recurring issues posed by extreme weather events.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
