Tropical Cyclone Jude has significantly affected Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage and displacing over 3,000 individuals. Although there have been no deaths, 15 people were injured, and relief operations are complicated due to damaged infrastructure. Efforts are ongoing as aid agencies work to assist those affected.
Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted significant portions of southern Africa, predominantly affecting Malawi and Mozambique. While no fatalities have been reported, extensive damage has rendered thousands homeless, and many areas are experiencing power outages. Aid agencies have begun distributing relief, although efforts are hampered by washed-out roads.
Cyclone Jude made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday, subsequently nourishing heavy rains across 13 districts in Malawi from Monday through Wednesday. Preliminary evaluations from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicate that over 11,000 individuals have been adversely impacted, with many suffering losses of crops and property due to flooding.
The assessment disclosed that more than 3,000 people have been displaced and are currently residing in six evacuation camps. Despite the absence of casualties, the disaster management department reported injuries to 15 individuals, including two boys aged 5 and 8 due to collapsing buildings. Authorities are still searching for three missing persons from the Nsanje and Phalombe districts after a boat capsized in the flooding.
Relief operations in Mozambique are facing significant challenges due to restricted access to affected populations in the Nampula province, where vital infrastructure has been damaged. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted difficulties in transporting relief items from Cabo Delgado to Nampula due to blockades caused by the cyclone.
In Malawi, relief efforts are underway in accessible areas with support from international agencies. For instance, the World Food Program has commenced distributing aid in Mulanje district, facilitated by pre-positioned supplies and operational equipment for emergencies. Simon Denhere, WFP’s acting country director in Malawi, highlighted the collaboration with the UK government to enhance rapid response efforts.
Hailing from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Lucy Mtilatila informed that Cyclone Jude has transitioned from Malawi to Mozambique, where its intensity is expected to diminish. She reassured that while flood risks persist, the potential impact from ongoing rains is expected to be minimal. Notably, Jude is the third cyclone to strike Mozambique in recent months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
In summary, Cyclone Jude has caused substantial damage in Malawi and Mozambique, displacing many individuals and leading to injuries without recorded fatalities. The ongoing relief efforts are hindered by infrastructure challenges, yet aid agencies continue to provide support where possible. The situation remains critical as the threat of flooding persists, but authorities are working diligently to mitigate further impacts following the cyclone’s trajectory.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
