Frelimo Urges Increased Government Support for Cyclone Jude Victims in Mozambique

Frelimo has requested the Mozambican government to enhance support for citizens affected by Tropical Cyclone Jude, which has caused six fatalities and extensive damage. The cyclone had a significant impact on education and infrastructure, affecting thousands. The call comes during the rainy season, amid Mozambique’s ongoing struggle with climate change-related disasters.

The Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) has urged the government to enhance support for citizens affected by Tropical Cyclone Jude, which struck on Monday, leading to six fatalities. Frelimo spokesperson Ludmila Maguni called upon the government, particularly the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), to bolster assistance and establish security measures for the impacted population.

According to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), at least six individuals have succumbed, 20 were injured, and 9,525 others were affected by Cyclone Jude in the provinces of Nampula, Niassa, and Zambézia. Furthermore, the cyclone has disrupted the lives of 17,401 students, 264 teachers, and has damaged 59 schools and 181 classrooms in those regions.

The tropical cyclone entered Mozambique on Monday with winds reaching 140 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 195 kilometers per hour. Meteorologist Manuel Francisco from the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) reported that the cyclone downgraded to a severe tropical storm shortly after entering the country, with expectations of either moderate or severe storm conditions in the following days.

Mozambique is currently in its rainy season, which lasts from October to April, a time marked by the occurrence of cyclones. Previous cyclones, Chido and Dikeledi, affected the northern regions between December and January, impacting around 736,000 individuals and destroying significant public and private infrastructure.

From 2019 to 2023, extreme weather events, including cyclones, have resulted in at least 1,016 deaths and impacted approximately 4.9 million individuals in Mozambique. The nation is recognized as one severely affected by global climate change, facing recurrent floods and tropical storms, in addition to extended periods of drought during the rainy season.

In summary, the Frelimo party’s call for increased government assistance underscores the urgent needs of those affected by Cyclone Jude. The cyclone has resulted in loss of life, injuries, and considerable disruption to education and infrastructure. As Mozambique continues to grapple with the consequences of climate change, it is imperative that authorities enhance their disaster response strategies to protect and support vulnerable populations.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com