Cyclone Jude Causes Widespread Devastation in East Africa with 17 Confirmed Deaths

Cyclone Jude has resulted in 17 fatalities in East Africa, overwhelming local populations, displacing thousands, and causing widespread destruction. Notable impacts include significant infrastructure damage and health emergencies. As response efforts continue, the severe humanitarian crisis remains a pressing concern for the affected communities.

Cyclone Jude has had a devastating impact on East Africa, leading to the deaths of 17 individuals—16 in Mozambique and one in Madagascar. This information is highlighted in the recent report by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), which states that over 130 individuals sustained injuries, and four people are reported missing as of March 18. Overall, the cyclone has affected at least 400,000 people across the three nations affected by the disaster.

The cyclone made initial landfall in northern Madagascar on March 8, resulting in the displacement of numerous residents who sought refuge in temporary shelters. After intensifying while moving over the Mozambique Channel, Cyclone Jude made landfall in Mozambique’s Mossuril district on March 10, accompanied by maximum sustained winds reaching 140 kilometers per hour (approximately 87 miles per hour) and gusts up to 195 kilometers per hour (121 miles per hour). Rainfall levels exceeded 250 millimeters (9.8 inches) in just 24 hours, leading to significant flooding.

The aftermath of Cyclone Jude has revealed extensive destruction, including the cancellation and delay of flights and the destruction of 900 houses in Mozambique. The World Food Programme reported that nearly 49,593 hectares (122,547 acres) of cropland in Monapo, Nampula, were inundated. Additionally, a cholera outbreak was noted in Larde, demonstrating the severe health implications arising from the cyclone’s impact.

A UNICEF spokesperson has indicated that the pre-existing conditions of full river basins and dams in Nampula contributed to the worsening flooding situation, resulting in power outages affecting over 400,000 individuals. Prior to the cyclone’s landfall in Mozambique, the U.N. Central Emergency Response Fund allocated $6 million to facilitate early warnings and provide shelter supplies, hygiene products, and water treatment.

Cyclone Jude subsequently passed through Malawi from March 10 to 12, causing heavy rainfall before returning to Mozambique. As of March 18, reports from OCHA indicate that 70,000 houses, 247 schools, 72 health facilities, 48 water systems, and 18 bridges, along with 73 kilometers (45 miles) of electricity lines in Mozambique, have suffered significant damage.

Notably, this cyclone marks the third major storm to impact Mozambique within a three-month period, following Cyclones Chido and Dikeledi. Cyclone Jude’s effects were again felt in Madagascar on March 15, leading to destruction in educational infrastructure, with 89 classrooms reported destroyed and 182 partially damaged, rendering around 48,000 students unable to attend school. Furthermore, OCHA noted the unprecedented nature of this cyclone, indicating that it is the first strong weather system to traverse the entire southern region of Madagascar, causing flooding and damage in various districts where assistance has been severely impeded.

In conclusion, Cyclone Jude has caused extensive destruction and human suffering in East Africa, with 17 confirmed deaths and significant displacement in affected areas. As over 400,000 individuals contend with the repercussions of this disaster, it is imperative that humanitarian assistance is prioritized to address the immediate needs of the communities impacted by this catastrophe. The information underscores the urgency of international response efforts to mitigate the ongoing crisis in the region.

Original Source: news.mongabay.com