Impact of Cyclone Jude on Mozambique’s Children and Infrastructure

Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique on October 3, affecting 20,000 children and destroying schools. Approximately 747,000 people are impacted by severe weather conditions, risking water-borne diseases. UNICEF reports that educational access has been compromised for 17,000 children, a number expected to rise.

Mozambique has recently experienced the devastating impacts of Cyclone Jude, which struck on October 3, affecting approximately 20,000 children and destroying numerous schools. The cyclone’s aftermath has also led to significant destruction of over 20,000 homes. Overall, it is estimated that 747,000 individuals, including many children, have been severely affected by the cyclone’s fierce winds and heavy rainfall in the northeastern provinces of Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia.

The cyclone brought winds reaching 195 km/h, which severely compromised vital infrastructures such as roads, health facilities, and water and electricity systems. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that about 17,000 children have lost access to education due to the cyclone, a number that is likely to increase as assessments continue. The floodwaters heighten the risk of water-borne diseases like cholera and diarrhoea, posing further threats to children’s health.

Disruption to major roadways is also obstructing the delivery of essential goods and supplies in a region already stressed by earlier cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi, which had previously devastated over 150,000 homes and thousands of schools and health facilities.

Mary Louise Eagleton, UNICEF Representative in Mozambique, highlighted the grave impacts of Cyclone Jude on the affected families. “The impact of Cyclone Jude on hundreds of thousands of children and families already affected by Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi is devastating,” she stated. She also emphasized that while UNICEF is coordinating efforts with government and partners, the demand for additional resources is urgent, given the recent cycles of disaster.

In conclusion, Cyclone Jude has significantly exacerbated educational and infrastructural challenges in Mozambique, impacting over 747,000 people, particularly children. With the compounded effects of previous cyclones, immediate humanitarian assistance is required to address the urgent needs of the affected population and to prevent further health crises.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com