Tropical Cyclone Jude Strikes Southern Africa, Leaves No Fatalities But Extensive Damage

Tropical Cyclone Jude has affected southern Africa, specifically Malawi and Mozambique, causing extensive property damage and displacing thousands, but no fatalities have been reported. Aid efforts are challenged by damaged infrastructure, although some relief operations have begun in accessible areas. Medical assistance is being provided to those injured during the storm, and ongoing search efforts are underway for three missing individuals.

Tropical Cyclone Jude recently impacted southern Africa, particularly affecting Malawi and Mozambique. Although the storm resulted in significant property damage, fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities. Thousands of residents are now displaced, facing homelessness and power outages as relief efforts struggle amid damaged infrastructure.

The cyclone made landfall in northern Mozambique early on Sunday before traveling through southern Malawi. From Monday to Wednesday, 13 districts experienced heavy rainfall, leading to an initial assessment indicating that over 11,000 individuals were impacted, losing homes and crops due to floods. Additionally, more than 3,000 people are currently residing in six evacuation camps.

While no deaths have been recorded, building collapses have resulted in injuries to 15 individuals, including two young boys. Chipiliro Khamula, a spokesperson for the disaster management department, reported that medical attention is being provided to the injured children at local hospitals. Rescuers continue to search for three individuals reported missing after their boat capsized on a flooded river.

In Mozambique, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that relief efforts are hampered by washed-away access routes. Aid delivery has been significantly challenged, particularly in Nampula province, where infrastructure was severely compromised. The agency indicated that moving resources from Cabo Delgado to Nampula remains obstructed due to the destruction of the N1 national highway.

In Malawi, initial relief operations have commenced in accessible regions. The World Food Program has initiated the distribution of relief items, including food supplies and emergency kits. According to Simon Denhere, the acting country director, prepositioned assistance is available for rapid response efforts.

Lucy Mtilatila, director of the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, indicated that Cyclone Jude is expected to diminish as it moves into Mozambique. She expressed cautious optimism, stating that while flooding remains a concern, the overall threat from the cyclone has significantly reduced. Jude marks the third cyclone to impact Mozambique in just three months, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi earlier this year.

Cyclone Jude caused widespread disruption, particularly in Malawi and Mozambique, resulting in significant displacement and property loss, yet spared lives, with no reported fatalities. The ongoing relief efforts face challenges due to damaged infrastructure, particularly in Mozambique. However, aid is being coordinated, and support is being extended to affected communities as conditions begin to stabilize.

Original Source: www.voanews.com