Tropical Cyclone Jude Update: Mozambique’s Urgent Humanitarian Crisis

Tropical Cyclone Jude has affected over 100,000 people in Mozambique, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. Fatalities and injuries have been reported, and the rise in cholera cases poses additional risks. Humanitarian efforts face challenges from illegal checkpoints and fuel shortages, necessitating immediate assistance.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has transitioned into a moderate tropical storm and is presently moving over the Mozambique Channel towards Madagascar’s southern coast. As of 14 March, it has affected 100,410 individuals in Mozambique, leading to significant structural damage, including 20,241 houses destroyed or damaged. The unfolding situation necessitates urgent humanitarian intervention as the nation grapples with the direct and indirect ramifications of the cyclone.

Reports indicate that the cyclone has resulted in injuries to 71 people, with 21 requiring hospitalization, and 8 tragic fatalities, primarily due to building collapses and electrocution. Moreover, the Nampula Provincial Health Directorate has revealed that 69 health facilities have suffered partial damage in the wake of the storm. Continued assessment reports will provide further clarity on the situation.

Humanitarian teams conducting missions in Nampula faced challenges such as illegal checkpoints demanding payments from locals. These barriers, together with damaged road infrastructure, are severely hindering the transportation of essential supplies. Fuel shortages are also being reported in Cabo Delgado, affecting humanitarian efforts significantly. UNHAS flights have been impacted as fuel resources dwindle at Pemba Airport.

Cholera cases are rising, with Nampula reporting 56 new infections on 14 March, primarily in urban areas. Despite the alarming trend, some regions previously affected by cholera have shown no new cases recently. Additionally, electricity infrastructure is severely compromised, with reports of 272,757 individuals experiencing power outages due to considerable damage.

Accessibility to roads has been critically impaired. Major routes like R681, N104, R703, R696, and R698 have been rendered impassable due to the cyclone’s impact. Access in Cabo Delgado and Zambézia is also jeopardized, hampering humanitarian response efforts and leaving many in desperate circumstances.

In specific districts, the effects of Cyclone Jude are palpable. Angoche district has sustained extensive damages, affecting 1,730 residents, with significant impacts on education and healthcare infrastructure due to destroyed facilities. Mecuburi district has mobility issues due to a bridge collapse, with individuals facing illegal tolls for detours. In Ilha de Moçambique, 400 families are currently housed in a shelter as they navigate the aftermath of the cyclone, relying on delivered potable water.

The impact of Tropical Cyclone Jude on Mozambique has resulted in widespread devastation, affecting over 100,000 people, with significant damage to homes, healthcare facilities, and critical infrastructure. Rising cholera cases, illegal checkpoints hindering humanitarian efforts, and severe fuel shortages threaten further deterioration of conditions. Moving forward, urgent humanitarian assistance is vital to address the immediate needs of the affected communities and restore essential services.

Original Source: reliefweb.int