Cyclone Jude Affects Southern Africa With Significant Damage but No Fatalities

Tropical Cyclone Jude struck Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage and displacing thousands without reported fatalities. Heavy rains affected many districts, leading to crop loss and homelessness. The U.N. noted significant challenges in delivering aid due to damaged infrastructure. Relief efforts are underway, although access remains precarious as flood concerns persist.

Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, resulting in significant damage but, fortunately, no fatalities were reported. Thousands of individuals have been rendered homeless, and areas are suffering from power outages. While aid organizations distributed relief, efforts were hampered by washed-away road infrastructure, complicating access to affected regions.

The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique early on Sunday, subsequently affecting southern Malawi with heavy rains from Monday to Wednesday. A preliminary assessment from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicated that over 11,000 people have been impacted, with many facing crop loss and damage to homes. The assessment identified that more than 3,000 individuals were displaced, currently residing in six evacuation camps.

While there are no recorded deaths, the Department reported that collapsing buildings resulted in injuries to 15 individuals, two of whom are young boys aged 5 and 8. Chipiliro Khamula, a spokesperson from the disaster management department, indicated that medical assistance is being provided in local hospitals for the injured. Search operations continue for three individuals missing after their boat capsized in flooded waters.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted that relief efforts in Mozambique faced serious challenges, exacerbated by access difficulties in Nampula province caused by the destruction of key transport routes. The agency noted that the storm impeded movement from Cabo Delgado province, restricting the transport of relief goods and personnel. In Malawi, international aid agencies, along with the government, initiated relief efforts in regions that remained accessible, distributing essential supplies to affected communities.

Simon Denhere, the acting country director for the World Food Program (WFP) in Malawi, affirmed that coordination with the UK government has enabled the prepositioning of vital food supplies and emergency kits. Lucy Mtilatila, the director of the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, expressed that Cyclone Jude is dissipating but cautioned that flooding remains a concern, albeit with minimal anticipated impacts from current rainfalls.

Cyclone Jude marks the third cyclone to affect Mozambique in just three months, following the recent storms Chido and Dikeledi; meanwhile, Malawi experienced Cyclone Chido in December but avoided the impact of Dikeledi.

In summary, Tropical Cyclone Jude has caused extensive damage across Malawi and Mozambique, impacting thousands and leading to significant humanitarian challenges. Despite the physical devastation, there have been no reported fatalities. Efforts to provide relief are ongoing, but logistical barriers due to the cyclone’s aftermath complicate these operations. Continuous assessments and humanitarian responses are crucial as the situation evolves.

Original Source: www.voanews.com