Cyclone Jude Heightens Waterborne Disease Risks in Mozambique

Cyclone Jude’s impact in Mozambique raises concerns for children’s health, heightening risks of waterborne diseases. UNICEF is distributing emergency supplies, facing challenges due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis following previous cyclones. The cyclone is expected to continue its path across northern Mozambique and southern Malawi.

The arrival of Cyclone Jude in Mozambique raises serious concerns about the health of children, as flooding intensifies risks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and malaria, reports the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The affected areas contain the highest population density of children in the country, which amplifies the cyclone’s negative impact significantly.

In response to the disaster, UNICEF is rapidly distributing essential supplies to battling communities while striving to maintain the safety of emergency shelters. Cyclone Jude struck Mozambique early on Monday, bringing destructive winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour and heavy rainfall, particularly impacting Nacala in Nampula province.

Prior to the cyclone’s arrival, a proactive response was undertaken using the Mozambique Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework for Cyclones, allowing for the swift allocation of funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). This preemptive action helped humanitarian organizations implement relief efforts three days before the cyclone made landfall.

Nevertheless, the humanitarian sector is facing significant strain as it manages the aftermath of two previous cyclones—Cyclone Chido in December and Cyclone Dikeledi in January—combined with ongoing challenges such as a cholera outbreak, widespread food insecurity, political instability, and ongoing conflicts. The recent decline in global humanitarian funding complicates efforts to secure the necessary resources in this challenging environment.

Cyclone Jude is expected to continue its southwest trajectory across northern Mozambique, nearing the southern border of Malawi until early morning on March 12. Following this, it is projected to shift southeast across central Mozambique.

Cyclone Jude poses severe risks to public health in Mozambique, especially among children, as it exacerbates challenges related to waterborne diseases. Response efforts by UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations are underway, yet the sector remains overextended. Continued global support is imperative to address the multifaceted crises exacerbated by this natural disaster.

Original Source: newscentral.africa