Cyclone Jude Causes Fatalities and Widespread Damage in Mozambique

Cyclone Jude has caused 16 fatalities and impacted over 302,000 individuals in Mozambique, with significant destruction of infrastructure including homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. The cyclonic events are symptomatic of the challenges Mozambique faces due to climate change, further worsening the situation during the rainy season.

Cyclone Jude has tragically resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals in Mozambique, with more than 302,000 people impacted, as reported by the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD). Current statistics indicate two individuals are missing, while 302,653 individuals and 65,164 families have been affected across several provinces including Tete, Manica, Zambézia, Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado.

The aftermath of the cyclone has resulted in significant destruction, with INGD reporting that 70,163 houses were either completely or partially destroyed. Additionally, 988 houses were flooded, and 134 places of worship suffered damage. Cyclone Jude has also disrupted education, affecting 247 schools and 674 classrooms, impacting approximately 91,629 students and 1,182 teachers. Furthermore, vital infrastructure such as 18 bridges and 41 aqueducts were impacted alongside 101,239 agricultural areas.

Healthcare services have not been spared, with at least 72 health facilities and two public buildings damaged, alongside the destruction of 68 vessels. The cyclone caused disruption to 1,224 electrical poles, affected 2,859 kilometers of roads, and damaged 671.6 kilometers of those routes.

Mozambique is currently experiencing its rainy season, lasting from October to April, during which Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi have previously impacted the northern regions of the country. The period between December 2022 and January 2023 saw severe cyclonic activity result in approximately 736,000 individuals being affected, furthering the toll on public and private infrastructure.

From 2019 to 2023, extreme weather events, notably cyclones and storms, have led to over 1,016 fatalities and affected around 4.9 million people, as per data from the National Institute of Statistics. Mozambique is widely recognized as one of the nations most severely affected by the consequences of climate change, frequently facing both cyclonic disturbances and prolonged drought conditions during the rainy season.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has inflicted extensive damage across Mozambique, leading to loss of life, extensive infrastructural damage, and significant disruption to education and healthcare. The statistics reflect an ongoing pattern in Mozambique, which is grappling with climate change’s severe effects, demonstrated by systemic flooding and droughts. This ongoing situation calls for urgent attention to strengthen disaster management and resilience strategies.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com