Cyclone Jude Causes Damage in Malawi and Mozambique, No Fatalities Reported
Tropical Cyclone Jude hit southern Africa, notably Malawi and Mozambique, causing extensive damage but no fatalities. The cyclone impacted over 11,000 people, displacing more than 3,000. Aid efforts are ongoing but faced challenges due to infrastructure damage. The storm marked the third cyclone to strike Mozambique recently, raising concerns about flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Jude has recently impacted southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, causing significant damage without reported fatalities. Both nations indicated that thousands are now homeless, with many areas facing power outages. The delivery of aid has been complicated by washed-away roads, hindering relief efforts after the storm made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday, subsequently affecting southern Malawi through heavy rainfall until Wednesday.
A preliminary evaluation by Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs revealed that over 11,000 individuals have been impacted, suffering losses in crops and housing. The cyclone has displaced more than 3,000 people, who are currently sheltered in six evacuation centers. Although there have been no deaths, 15 individuals have sustained injuries due to collapsing structures, including two young boys.
Rescue teams continue the search for three individuals missing after a boat capsized during the floods in the Nsanje and Phalombe districts. In Mozambique, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that relief efforts are significantly hindered due to damaged infrastructure in Nampula province, including the washing away of main roads and bridges.
In Malawi, the government and international aid organizations have begun aid distribution in areas that remain accessible. The World Food Program has started distributing relief supplies to affected regions, with support from the UK government to facilitate rapid response through prepositioned emergency supplies.
Cyclone Jude has continued to move from Malawi to Mozambique, where meteorological experts anticipate its dissipating. However, the risk of flooding remains, albeit the expected impact is minimal. This cyclone marks the third to affect Mozambique within a recent three-month span, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.
Cyclone Jude has adversely affected Malawi and Mozambique, leaving thousands displaced and in need of assistance, yet it fortunately did not result in fatalities. The efforts to deliver relief are ongoing despite challenges due to infrastructure damage. Collaborative efforts from both governments and international aid organizations aim to provide necessary support to those impacted. As the cyclone dissipates, vigilance remains regarding ongoing flood risks.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
