Cyclone Jude Strikes Southern Africa: Damage Report and Relief Efforts

Tropical Cyclone Jude affected Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread damage but no fatalities. Thousands are displaced, and aid efforts are hindered by damaged infrastructure. Relief operations are underway, with concerns about potential flooding remaining despite the cyclone’s dissipating threat.

Tropical Cyclone Jude has impacted southern Africa, particularly Malawi and Mozambique, causing significant damage but leading to no fatalities. Thousands of individuals are currently displaced due to the cyclone’s destruction of homes and crops, especially in Malawi and Mozambique. Aid agencies are providing relief, though efforts are hindered by damaged infrastructure, including washed-out roads.

The storm made landfall in northern Mozambique on Sunday and subsequently affected southern Malawi with heavy rains between Monday and Wednesday. A preliminary report from Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs indicates that over 11,000 individuals have been affected, resulting in more than 3,000 people taking refuge in evacuation camps.

While no deaths have been recorded, the disaster management department reported that 15 individuals, including two young boys aged 5 and 8, suffered injuries due to collapsing structures. Spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula provided updates regarding the injured boys, who are receiving medical care at local hospitals. Rescuers are currently searching for three missing individuals in Nsanje and Phalombe districts following a boating accident in rising waters.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicated that relief operations in Mozambique are facing challenges due to inaccessible areas in Nampula province, where vital infrastructure has been washed away. The storm has complicated efforts to transport aid from Cabo Delgado province to Nampula, as the main national highway has been rendered impassable.

In Malawi, domestic and international agencies have initiated relief efforts in accessible regions. The World Food Program has begun distributing aid to those affected in Mulanje district, with support from the UK government. World Food Program’s acting country director, Simon Denhere, emphasized the proactive measures taken to ensure rapid response capability with prepositioned supplies.

Lucy Mtilatila from Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services noted that although the cyclone is moving towards Mozambique, the immediate threat is diminishing. However, she warned that flooding remains a concern, although the anticipated rains are expected to have minimal impact. Cyclone Jude is noted as the third cyclone to strike Mozambique within the past three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi.

In summary, Cyclone Jude has caused significant devastation in Malawi and Mozambique without any reported fatalities. Thousands have been displaced, and aid efforts are underway despite logistical challenges. The impact of the storm, while severe, is being managed through the collaborative efforts of various relief agencies. Continued vigilance is essential as the region remains susceptible to flooding.

Original Source: www.voanews.com